night of a major blunder by blaming Government for the suspension of Police cadet training schemes. The Hon. Sir John Sharpe, his opposite United Bermuda Party number, tore into Mr. Morton for getting his facts wrong.

Sir John pointed out Government cutbacks had NOT hit the Police cadet scheme, which he dubbed "alive and thriving''. "All that has happened is that seven mature Bermudians -- not cadets, not teenagers -- who applied for jobs on the force have been told we are not in a position to hire people at this stage in the game.'' And Sir John also blasted Mr. Morton's claim -- based on an inaccuracy -- Government showed no commitment to Bermudianisation. "I am sure any Bermudian with half his wits about him will realise that this is political huffing and puffing of the silliest kind,'' said Sir John.

"Virtually the entire civil service is Bermudian. And despite a considerable increase in their numbers and responsibilities in the last few years, the Police have still managed to dramatically increase the Bermudian component of the force.

"That's a house made of bricks and stone and mortar -- not one that Mr.

Morton is going to be able to blow down in a hurry.''