in a bid to lure youngsters away from drugs.

As the Senate discussed the Ministry of Youth and Sport budget, Senators Lawrence Scott (UBP) and Opposition Senate Leader Milton Scott debated ways of getting young people interested in leisure activities, rather than hanging around on street corners.

Sen. Lawrence Scott said sporting stars such as sailor Paula Lewin and top cricketer Clay Smith were a great example for the young.

But he said at the same time that there had been success with the random drug testing within all the sporting bodies, adding that he didn't want to give numbers from the programme, so they didn't give "bad news''.

"It is a necessary element of the administration of sports today -- it is a shame that it has to be that way,'' he said.

Sen. Milton Scott said it was up to all adults to take an active role in keeping young people on track, with a coordinated effort by the churches, Government and voluntary groups.

"What are we doing about the young people who are not in school,'' he asked.

"We need people throughout the Island who are going to take young people off the streets.'' He cited examples of groups that could benefit the young, including the Bermuda Regiment and giving over the Paget Island Institution to young people who had gone "off the tracks''.

Sen. Neletha Butterfield (PLP) praised the work of the Parks Department and said even though there were many positive things, such as after-school clubs, going on, there was still a need for more effort.

"Young people like technology; children say `why don't we have something in Bermuda like Disney World?', we have a lot of outdoor activities but I am still concerned about indoor activities,'' she said.

There was also a need to look after special needs children and for a park in the Pembroke area, she said.

"If we nurtured our youth, we wouldn't have to spend $500,000 on security,''she said. "If we let them know what is available then we might see more behaviour problems sorted out.'' Sen. Neletha Butterfield Graphic file name: NWELLA