long way toward addressing the major public concerns. Everyone will have noticed the strong emphasis on combating drug-related crime and crimes of violence..."mindless acts of violence by a few which threaten the very fabric of our society''.

The public can take comfort from the fact that the Government understands the seriousness of the problem and that there is in place a Police Service hierarchy which knows how to move against crime, to, as the Throne Speech said, "increase the levels of public safety and security for everyone on these Islands, be they local residents or visitors''.

The policy is a total commitment to "stamping out crime and the use of illicit drugs in Bermuda''. The people of Bermuda can only hope that when crime and drugs are debated in the House of Assembly they will receive support from the Progressive Labour Party which has been consistent in sending permissive and disruptive messages on crime and drugs.

Crime and drugs are subjects on which all Bermudians can move forward together. It is time for a unified policy and a clear statement that all Bermudians will put the national good first because, as the speech says: "Our economic survival demands no less than a total commitment''.

The Throne Speech made it clear that Government is aware of both the roots of problems and the results of those problems. In an attempt to deal with the roots of drugs and crime, Government is making basic changes to the education system which it expects will give people constructive alternatives to crime and drugs. To that end it is involving the community in the running of schools, broadening the schools curriculum to provide "next century'' skills, and expanding the involvement of local businesses in schools. It also has important plans for the Police to liaise with the schools and to work with school groups and the PTA.

Yet Government recognises that far too often a few students can disrupt a classroom and detract from the studies of a majority of students. They have heard the complaints of teachers and of parents and they are responding. The majority of students will not have their education disrupted by a few. To this end courses are being held for principals and teachers aimed at the early identification of students with behavioural difficulties. We think those students who have problems will benefit and the majority will get a better atmosphere in which to learn.

The aim of all this is admirable. It is nothing less than the careful nurturing of all Bermudians with the goal of full employment of trained and qualified Bermudians. We know of no other Country which has set itself this task.