election.

And according to an informal survey by The Royal Gazette many of the Island's young people are ready to express themselves by casting their vote.

Some 30 youngsters between the ages of 17 and 25 were polled in the past two weeks. They included the Premier's son, former Opposition Leader Mrs. Lois Browne Evans' 19-year-old daughter, some of the Island's top athletes, and others who are quietly, but diligently adding to the foundation for a better Bermuda.

Of those polled a majority, 20 out of 30, said they were registered to vote.

But only 17 said they would go to the polls during the next general election.

The others said they would not for various reasons, ranging from the fact that they may be away at school to they "do not believe either party will do any good''.

Nineteen of those interviewed said they believed Bermuda offered them a good future.

But their complaints about the Island included its "expensiveness'', "narrow-minded people'', "greed among those in power'', "not enough free recreational activities'', "not enough blacks in administrative and managerial positions'', and "a general lack of youth motivation''.

However, many agreed that Bermuda's slow pace, physical beauty, and healthy economy was something to boast about.

When asked how they could contribute to a better Bermuda, many said by gaining a post-secondary education and returning home to work in various professions including law, medicine, international business, telecommunications, and construction.

About 20 said they would be interested in a career in tourism. Those who are not listed a "lack of job security'', "a lack of creativity'', and concerns about whether the industry would exist in the next 20 years, as reasons for shying away from Bermuda's main industry.

And only about half of those surveyed said they believed the public school system worked to their benefit.

Here's what some of the youngsters said: Miss Nadeen Evans , the 19-year-old daughter of lawyer Mrs. Lois Browne Evans, said she was registered and would "definitely'' vote in the next general election.

Miss Evans said while Bermuda was still a friendly place, she would like to see more opportunities for blacks in Bermuda and she said blacks could help by not limiting themselves.

Miss Evans, who has yet to decide between a career in law or education, also expressed concern about Bermuda losing its "cultural identity''.

She said the new look of East Broadway, the first Esso auto market gas station on Richmond Road, and the airport's departure terminal were "too American''.

Hotel worker 19-year-old Mr. James Wolfe said he had not registered yet. But he planned to vote in Hamilton East in the next general election.

Mr. Wolfe, who said he could not think of anything good about the Island, complained that there were "too many unfulfilled promises'' and the cost of living was "too high''.

But Mr. Wolfe, who is aiming for a career in the area of hotel business administration, was optimistic about the tourism industry and he attributed his success in it so far to relatives who are hotel workers and his training at the Bermuda College.

Mr. Maurice Dyer , 17, said he was not registered to vote, but he planned to vote in the Pembroke West constituency in the general election.

He said he believed Bermuda offered him a good future. But he expressed some concern about "the way black youths are treated by Police and Government''.

Mr. Dyer, who plans a career in mechanics, said there was "a lot money to be made in Bermuda''.

However, the St. George's Secondary student did not believe the education system had worked to his benefit.

He said he had to move from Whitney Institute to Devonshire Academy, where some academic subjects were not offered, because mechanical courses were not available at Whitney.

Hamilton West resident Mr. McCal Roberts , 21, who is registered to vote and said he will, believed there was nothing wrong with Bermuda.

"It's all up to the individual,'' he said.

McCal Roberts James Wolfe Maurice Dyer Nadeen Evans