Education Ministry, branding it a "frightening example of an authoritarian and closed system.'' Mr. David Critchley said the Ministry lacked organisational skills and was heading towards the rocks of failure.

He hit out: "You don't change and often sabotage the system if you don't change the people who are hired to run it. And, of course, a closed system in human affairs is a virtual guarantee of eventual failure, whether in business or education.

"I know this and many of our politicians know it, but feel powerless to do anything about it for fear of it turning into a racial or union issue.'' Mr. Critchley is the former Permanent Secretary of Health and Social Services.

His blistering attack is in an 11-page statement carried on Page 4-5 of today's Royal Gazette .

Criticisms of the Ministry include: Too little focus on the competence of teachers.

Young people, mainly black, failing to find a hospitable welcome in schools.

Ministers being badly led by their senior officers.

Mr. Critchley also regrets Warwick Academy's decision to become private, believing it will contribute to a public/private school system based on race and income.

Other areas of Government come under the critical spotlight as well.

Mr. Critchley says at least $1,500,000 is needed for the Child Development Project to reach its full potential.

And he urges Government to investigate treating Bermudian sex offenders abroad; tackling inequalities of income distribution; setting up projects to ensure people a job and living wage; and guaranteeing medical and dental care for all citizens.

King Edward VII Memorial Hospital -- where Mr. Critchley has been treated for kidney problems -- is also caught up in the line of fire.

He recommends the Patient Care Committee find out what Bermudians think of their medical care.

Virtually everyone he knows goes abroad for treatment if financially possible, he claims.

"I also think the Patient Care Committee must pay attention to the fact that it is difficult to find a Bermudian who has not some horror story to relate concerning hospital and medical treatment.

"As some senior hospital nurse said to me a few years ago: `David, don't even take a hang nail to the hospital'.'' It is at the Education Ministry, however, which Mr. Critchley takes his strongest swipe.

He describes his dismay at the way critics dubbed his book Shackles Of The Past controversial.

The book contains many of his proposals concerning human relations and teacher effectiveness.

Mr. Critchley goes on to call for action to rescue young people, many black, from social deprivation.