commitment to re-train Bermudians for new job opportunities according to a Government minister.

And according to Development and Opportunities Minister Terry Lister, new training programmes will also enable those already in work to climb up the promotional ladder.

The central plank of Government's re-training programme -- the National Training Board -- is to get a huge injection of cash to offer new training programmes for those both out of work and those already in the workplace.

And Government's commitment to getting Bermudians back to work and creating new jobs is also shown in the Small Business Development Corporation, which is to get a 20 percent increase in its spending allowance -- up from $364,000 last year to $460,000.

Finance Minister Eugene Cox explained how $438,000 allocated to the Ministry of Development and Opportunity would encourage its training arm.

"The National Training Board will utilise $240,000 on developing apprenticeship programmes and a further $183,000 on the investment in people scheme which has been successfully implemented in Bermuda,'' he said.

"Improved training opportunities fro Bermudians is a key element of our platform.'' The Budget also promised fresh recruiting and re-training drives for other sectors such as the Police and Fire Services.

And within the Ministry of Finance budget, Customs officers are to get a massive $500,000 cash injection to train up officers. A further ten training staff are to be recruited.

Following the Finance Minister's presentation to the House of Assembly, Mr.

Lister explained that it was a budget that would "keep us moving in the right direction''.

"I'm not saying that we needed a kick start but sometimes a budget can slow things down -- I'm extremely pleased with this one,'' Mr. Lister said.

"The National Training Board has a big job for Bermudians -- it's there to insure that Bermudians are qualified to do jobs that exist.

"We're not in the same position as other countries where we're trying to create jobs -- we have over-employment. However, not all Bermudians are employed or are being employed to the best of their abilities.'' Terry Lister