psychiatric clinic for mental health tests.

But the number is well short of the target Shadow Human Affairs Minister Ewart Brown set himself.

"I think Bermuda can do better. I was looking for about 20,'' said Dr. Brown.

Dr. Brown appealed for Government to help continue the momentum he had started.

"We have sent a signal, but have heard nothing from Government on how they might join hands in this effort and assume some responsibility.'' Dr. Brown renewed his appeal for volunteers.

"There have been quite a few phone calls, but I think Bermuda can do better.

"Six volunteers have come forward and agreed to pick people up. I don't know whether they actually did so. All I did was tell them what I wanted them to do.'' Would-be volunteers should contact Dr. Brown at Bermuda Healthcare Services on 236-2810.

It is hoped psychiatric tests would lead to treatment and employment for some.

Dr. Brown said he went on a "test run'' yesterday, taking a 43-year-old man to the clinic at the old hospital building on Point Finger Road, Paget.

"The man is homeless and has mental problems. He had run out of his medication and we talked about the possibility of doing work.

"What I'm asking for people to do is very simple, they just have to take 20 or 30 minutes out of their day.'' Last week, Dr. Brown visited some of the Parsons Road homeless and this confirmed his suspicions some had psychological problems and needed to be in a structured environment.

He later discussed the problem with Chief of Psychiatry at St. Brendan's Hospital, Dr. Hameen Markar.

Sri-Lankan born Dr. Markar told The Royal Gazette there were professionals at the clinic, which was open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

"If people are referred to the clinic or walk in they will be assessed.

Anybody can refer anyone to the clinic. You could do so if you wished.'' Dr. Brown said he did not want to restrict the pick-ups to Parsons Road.

"There are many other areas where there are homeless people.'' Dr. Brown floated one idea for easing the problem: getting those on social assistance to help supervise the homeless in "some kind of productive activity''.

"There should be some return Government gets in return for helping people through social assistance.'' Social Services Minister Harry Soares said a tremendous amount was already being done for the disadvantaged, including the homeless.

"We are in a mode that there is nothing being done, but there is a $99 million budget for Health and Social Services Ministry.'' He added: "All through my life there has been a problem with homelessness.

"Obviously, there are a lot of different types of homeless people. Some don't have enough money and others are extremely difficult individuals, who have drinking problems and cannot live with others.

"There are also people who choose to live this way. A few people think the homeless have mental problems, but this only applies to some. Some of these guys are quite sane.'' He added: "There are a lot of ways we can help, but there are some who prefer not to get help, and therein lies the dilemma.'' Mr. Soares said a seminar on homelessness was being planned for next month.