Once again, the cost of owning a vehicle is increasing through vehicle licence and other fees. This is a nuisance tax and the increase will only bring the Government $900,000 in a budget of $385 million, only 0.30 percent. Although, the economy is starting to improve, these increases will be an added burden to the average household as families attempt to take advantage of the improving economy, and Government's reduced expenditure in this Ministry will hinder their ability to address the serious traffic concerns such as the rising incidence of traffic deaths, the coordination of bus and ferry schedules and making a real commitment to the creation of a national transportation system which will better serve the growing needs of an expanding economy.

WE CANNOT TURN AWAY FROM THE FUTURE ENVIRONMENT Mr. Speaker, the future of Bermuda can be made more economically secure if Bermudians are encouraged and educated to change their habits in waste management. The current efforts by the Government in recycling do not go far enough in making Bermudians fully aware of the very fragile nature of our environment. Education from the primary level up and a strong public campaign must be forthcoming so that environmentally friendly behaviour becomes second nature to all who live on this island. The importance of this educational process can be fully appreciated when seen in conjunction with our ability to continually service an increasingly environmentally conscious tourist clientele.

Mr. Speaker, it is the hope of the PLP, that with the Tynes Bay incinerator expected to come on line soon, the necessary funds will be provided to hire sufficient inspectors to ensure that all elements capable of polluting the environment comply with the law as currently provided for under the Clean Air Act.

A NEW BEGINNING Today it is clear that the way we do things need to change -- and if things were done more humanely, more intelligently, on a more appropriate scale, we might end up improving society and at the same time spend less on social programmes than is presently done. We must therefore make changes that will usher in a NEW BEGINNING.

WE CANNOT TURN AWAY FROM THE FUTURE FOR THE FUTURE BELONGS TO PEOPLE WHO SEE POSSIBILITIES BEFORE THEY BECOME OBVIOUS.

The Hon. Sir John Swan Mr. Frederick Wade.