I was delighted to learn that the Bermuda Government is implementing a national service initiative.

The Government must be praised for this.

The short version of the reason is that too many of our young people are selfish and lack a culture of giving back, service to country over self, to do it themselves.

So, since their parents and society don't seem to be instilling this culture of service, the Government had to take the lead.

A country and a society cannot function effectively without volunteers, charities, citizens with a culture of giving and service and a community that cares about those less fortunate and takes steps to help them. More about this after the top 20.

Holding at #1 is I Invented Sex by Trey Songs featuring Drake. I still can't believe the lyrics are permissible. Making a huge jump to #2 is It Kills Me by Melanie Fiona, one of the hottest love songs of the moment.

Improving to #3 is Say Aah by Trey Songz featuring Fabolous. Falling to #4 is Empire State of Mind by Jay Z and Alicia Keys, a popular track with catchy lyrics. Falling to #5 is Money To Blow by Birdman featuring L'il Wayne and Drake.

Up to #6 is How Low by Ludacris. Improving to #7 is Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart by Alicia Keys. Climbing the ladder to #8 is Snoop Dogg's latest rap anthem, I Wanna Rock, one of the hottest rap tracks on the circuit.

Up to #9 is Sex Therapy by Robin Thicke. Soaring to #10 is Why Don't You Love Me by Beyonce, yet another hit from the hottest R&B artist in the game. Taking the elevator down to #11 its Baby By Me by 50 Cent featuring Ne-Yo.

Leaping to #12 is Hard by Rihanna, one of the most popular songs in the world. . On the way up at #13 its Bedrock by Young Money featuring Lloyd.

Falling to #14 its Bad Habits by Maxwell, a very smooth ballad. Falling into the #15 spot is Run This Town by Jay Z, Rihanna and Kanye West.

Now this week's essential new tune, in at #16, my favourite song at the moment.

Its called Sexy Chick and its by David Guetta featuring Akon. Akon is from the motherland of Africa and his distinct voice works well in so many formats. This is the house anthem of the moment and it bangs.

The track actually has another name, Sexy B_TCH. but I couldn't bring myself to type it in full. I've heard this one everywhere from South Beach to Bermuda.

In at #17 is On To The Next One by Jay Z and Swizz Beats. This is yet another hot one from Jigga Man.

I missed him by two days in Miami earlier this month; I might have actually taken in the concert, but oh well. This one has a hot beat and Jay Z never disappoints in rapping ability/delivery.

New at #18 is She Wolf by Shakira, a kickin' dance track. New at #19 is Tik Tok by Ke$ha, the new hot blonde. Look out Lady Gaga, someone is coming after your title.

This one has a hot beat and is catchy but is pop/dance/club music at its core. Finally, in at #20 is We Are The World, by Artists for Haiti.

This remake of the original is an awesome recreation of a world classic and it shows the brilliance of Quincy Jones.

He has added new artists and reworked the track to fit modern times. Few other artists, producers and arrangers are as timeless and have evolved as he has. The man is a genius and the remake is excellent!

Now back to this week's word — National Service. The #20 track this week provides a nice segue to the topic. The artists were encouraging us all to serve Haiti by donating time, money, clothing, whatever, but they mostly need cash.

About two years ago, when this review appeared in the Royal Gazette's late sister newspaper, the Mid Ocean News, I wrote a piece on National Service.

The main point I made was that everybody should be forced to do some type of National Service — boys, girls, everybody.

I understand what opponents to conscription are thinking but I can tell you that conscription into the Bermuda Regiment is nothing like slavery.

If anything is simply discipline and character building; qualities lacking in several young men in this country.

The draft is fair because it is a random sample and it ends up selecting an excellent cross section of Bermuda.

I've met and befriended people in the army that I would never have met or befriended had I not been in the army and I am a much better person for it. So, I am a supporter of the retention of conscription.

For those who are not conscripted or who do not volunteer to join the Bermuda Regiment, I support National Service.

Some examples of what should be considered National Service are:

? the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service

? the Bermuda Police Service Reserves

? the St. John's Ambulance Brigade

? the Sea Cadets or Boys Brigade

? Volunteering as a Candy Striper or other volunteer at KEMH

? Service at any Senior Citizens Residence or Rest Home

? Volunteering at a Correctional Facility

These are just some examples of what I consider acceptable as National Service, but I think most people with half a brain get the concept.

Next is a list of what I do not consider to be National Service:

? Playing for or coaching a football team or cricket team or other sports team.

? Membership in a running club

? Coaching or organising sailing; yachting or other programmes at the yacht or dinghy club.

This list and other similar activities are more self serving or limited to the serving of a small section of society and in my estimation does not qualify as national service.

You clearly and truly serve a wider cross section of the community if you are involved in the former list of activities that I've listed as acceptable for consideration of National Service.

Also, a full time job cannot be used to exempt persons from National Service.

National Service has to be something done in your spare time, evenings or weekends, otherwise the lesson of giving and service is lost.

The one thing I've omitted thus far is the length of time that persons should be required to perform national service.

I haven't seen the Government's proposal; I was away, but I submit that every person should be required to perform three years and two months of part-time national service; which is identical to the amount of time persons must serve in the Bermuda Regiment.

The point must be driven home that you cannot avoid service.

You either serve in the Bermuda Regiment or you serve somewhere where you can contribute to the wider community or to making someone else's life better, more comfortable or happier.

I remember when I was in the army we at one time used a slogan "Serve to lead".

In fact, it comes from the British Army's Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, where the British develop their officers, their equivalent of West Point.

The point is that if you can serve; you can lead. So, to the Bermudians against the draft and other opponents of the Regiment, Conscription and National Service, I give you service over self.

One day, when these persons are at the end of their days, they just may finally get it. Serve to lead.

DJLT