has been critical of a push toward privatisation of public services in Bermuda. For some time now there have been suggestions that Government should divest itself of a good deal of what is now run with civil servants. Mr.

Blakeney has claimed that people are looking for "pay-offs'' to political supporters and leverage against the unions during negotiations.

Mr. Blakeney did not point out the large number of people who simply believe that private ownership will run services better than Government does and that the services are likely to be less costly and more effective if run as businesses. Rather than "pay-offs'' and "leverage against unions'' we think people want better services at less cost to the taxpayers.

Mr. Blakeney is doubtless aware that the Civil Service is seen as providing security for some people who would have a difficult time staying employed in private business. Perhaps that is what he supports when he is quoted as saying, "As a union we believe that Government should deliver certain services. Government-run operations are vital to a Country's economy and the needs of society.'' The problem is that Government often delivers services to the people at a very high price to the people and Government run operations can often be run more efficiently, more effectively and less expensively by business to meet the needs of society.

Many countries have learned over the last 25 years that the way to go is privatisation and it works.

We have little doubt that the roads in Bermuda would be in better shape if contracted out to an organisation like D&J construction which can build a bus shelter in days when it takes Government months.

We also have little doubt that The Airport would be better run by an Airport Authority with clout than it is by the Department of Civil Aviation.

It seems clear now that the Department of Tourism will eventually have to be privatised and turned over to people who are experienced professionals in the tourism business. Tourism was in decline for years before any real effort was made to correct the problem and we do not believe that could have happened with a professional staff.

If the Government schools are not to be privatised as some people now want, and the Minister of Education is opposed, then we think each one should be supervised by a board of governors such as those at Berkeley Institute and CadarBridge which would give them constant attention. That would at the least allow for a great reduction in the top heavy staff at education's "head office'' which in itself would be a great saving.

There are other examples. Government appears reluctant to let go of control because it fears the huge Civil Service but the public is growing tired of what it sees as unnecessary staffing and expense. If the public saw better results, it would be happier but when there are complaints and ongoing incidents public disquiet grows.