Government vowed to clear the path of opportunity to young people, blacks, and women. The goal of a just society with Bermudians joining hands was repeatedly hammered home.

There was also a renewed pledge to mobilise the community against drugs, and help Police combat trafficking.

The Commission for the National Drugs Strategy would be in place by the end of the year, it was stated.

And among a batch of other promises for the coming Parliamentary session were: A National Education Foundation to help pay for further schooling; Government links with the private sector to boost summer employment; A Family Court; Plans for a National Pension Scheme to give old folk security; Setting up a new Airport Authority; The search for tenders for a new Ordnance Island dock, and completion before May of work for the new cruise ship; and Starting construction of a new Stonington Campus building; There was also something for St. George's.

The townfolk would be provided with a new fire truck, and talks between Government and the Corporation of St. George's would continue.

The 20-minute speech was delivered by Governor Lord Waddington at the opening of Parliament yesterday.

It closely followed the Blueprint for the Future -- Government's election manifesto. The Blueprint was described as a "working document'' charting the way ahead.

"Government will seek wider participation by Bermudians as it broadens the decision-making process, for Government is resolved to ensure that Bermuda faces the challenges ahead as a united and determined people.'' The image of the tiny Island fighting to survive in a fast-changing world was again conjured up. And a warning of possible problems ahead was sounded.

"There remain many uncertainties on the international scene which could impede further growth.'' Emphasis was put on the need for good economic management and a balanced current account.

Reports from the Task Force on Employment and the Commission on Competitiveness would hit Government desks soon, it was stated.

"Government remains determined to produce the economic environment necessary for the highest level of employment possible, which will allow Bermudians to participate in the real opportunities of the future.'' A recurring theme was the expansion of opportunities. Young people, in particular, were offered better prospects.

"The youth of Bermuda need to be encouraged to participate more in the running of the country.

"To this end, Government intends to foster their participation by supporting youth summits, the development of a volunteer youth corps, a Bermudian youth magazine and youth television projects.'' Government recognised the need for improving the education system to improve the lot of young people. Up to $2 million would be pumped into forming a National Education Foundation.

"The Foundation will be designed to provide additional financial guarantees and advice to qualified students seeking to complete their further education.'' And a new section within the Department of Labour was being created for retraining Bermudians.

The growing need of students for summer jobs was touched upon as well.

"A joint committee with the private sector will be formed by year's end, with a view to improving access to summer employment.

"In the longer term, Government intends to facilitate the provision of both internship and apprenticeship programmes.'' Lord Waddington later stated: "A just society for all means equality of opportunity for all.

"Government will form a joint review group with the private sector to devise new, more equitable policies for tendering for Government contracts of all kinds.'' Race -- the key election issue -- was not forgotten either.

"Although Bermuda has every right to be proud of the significant progress which has been made towards achieving equality in our community, there still exists barriers preventing some from participating fully. These barriers must be removed.'' A task force would now be formed to "evaluate all impediments to equal opportunity''.

For women, there was a vow to recognise the seriousness of domestic violence.

"Government is convinced that the idea that violence in the home is less serious than any other form of violence is wrong, and will press to ensure that all crimes of a violent nature are dealt with as being of equal gravity.'' Speech in full -- Page 4 HIGH SPIRITS -- Mr. David Allen waves to the crowd as PLP MPs arrive for yesterday's opening of Parliament. Also pictured (from left to right) are Mr.

Leon (Jimmy) Williams, Miss Jennifer Smith and Mr. Stanley Morton.

IN STEP -- Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge escorts Minister of Delegated Affairs, the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto into the Cabinet building followed by Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs the Hon. Wayne Furbert.