National Stadium according to Minister of Youth, Sport and Recreation the Hon.

Pamela Gordon .

The argument was again raised in Senate, during the budget debate for that ministry, by Sen. Trevor Woolridge (PLP).

He stated that Government, under the terms of a 1988 Act of Parliament, should have provided the National Stadium trustees with the finished article.

The trustees, a group of businessmen, will take over the running of the stadium in April.

But Sen. Gordon said: "The budget gives $1.4 million to the National Stadium trustees as part of the Government's contribution to develop the facilities.

"The Government was never required to complete the facility. The facility opened in 1991 with the Bermuda and USA match, when the stadium was deemed functional. We have, in actual fact, satisfied the requirements.'' Sen. Gordon said that youth clubs had been changed to become community and family centres, which were desperately needed in certain areas.

The Minister also pointed out other ways in which her Ministry has helped young people in the Island.

Employment opportunities are expected to increase with summer day camps where teachers are being encouraged to step aside in favour of young people.

Sen. Gordon said: "The Ministry is trying to provide more employment to college students so they can assist their parents and themselves to meet their education expenses.

"Teachers are being encouraged to have longer breaks so we can extend this offer to young people. However teachers have not been squeezed out.'' She said that the summer programme takes place in eight school buildings over five weeks, but the Ministry is considering stretching it to eight summer weeks and for longer hours.

Sen. Gordon believes this will help to keep children occupied until their parents get home from work. She also pointed out the work being done in the after care service which helps to care for `latch-key kids.' The Minister said: "We are concerned that children are going home at 3.30 p.m. to their homes, hours before their parents return form work. We have to find a way to get to these young people and keep them actively involved in constructive activities so they do not find themselves in problems in later life.'' But Sen. Woolridge said that the Government had offered little leadership to young people and relied on the community to provide opportunities for youngsters to develop.

He said: "Rather than address the issue of young people the Government tends to pass the buck. We are conscious of the efforts of community organisations but development shave not come as a result of the Government's actions.''