of Co-Ed Facility, Ferry Reach, inmates was one of the most positive stories written in a long time. We think it was good news for Bermuda on a great many levels and does indicate that action is being taken to rehabilitate offenders.

The Co-Ed Facility houses teenage men between the ages of 16 to 19 years. They have been sentenced by the courts to corrective training for anything from nine months to three years. Now, under the guidance of the facility's physical education officer, Vincent Minors, the teenagers are out in the community days maintaining the property of several parish rest homes and churches. They are also going to paint the St. George's Rest Home. In addition they are also taking part in the disciplines of the Outward Bound programme and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

The idea for a community programme at the Co-Ed Facility stems from a scheme by prison psychologist Mike Burkhead to revise the training school's curriculum. Mr. Minors is quoted as saying: "Dr. Burkhead entered the male trainees in the Outward Bound and Duke of Edinburgh programmes to get them involved in positive programmes for their minds. We have since focused on community involvement.'' We cannot think of very much that would be better for healthy and active young men who are confined and in need of activity. The two programmes are demanding, disciplined and constructive and the service being done for churches and rest homes brings with it both physical exercise and the dignity of contributing to the community.

It is not unusual in Bermuda two hear two things. People who are detained should be rehabilitated if we have any hope of preventing them from reoffending and prisoners should be working to earn their keep and to contribute to community projects. That is exactly what is happening at the East End and what is now going on at the Co-Ed Facility is an example of what can be done.

Mr. Minors has said: "With these activities there are a lot less petty fights. It has brought about a lot of total positiveness for those who have participated in the programmes. It also encourages those who may not have wanted to participate before.

"They take pride in their work especially when they see the elderly who cannot help themselves. They also like to see their work perfected.'' Basically this is called character building. Many of these young men must be fairly defeated by their incarceration and being out doing constructive work will build their self-respect.

We see this as an excellent example of a constructive programme with benefits to the young men and to the community.