nightmare'' for the disabled, a Government commission was told yesterday.

Lawyer Ms Clare Hatcher and two men in wheelchairs told the Commission on Competitiveness developing a Strategic Plan for Bermuda's Tourism Industry that the Island is sorely lacking in proper facilities.

There are 40 million disabled in the United States, where by law all public buildings and transportation must be made accessible, Ms Hatcher said. But, "Bermuda doesn't at present really cater at all to the disabled tourist''.

"There is actually a lot of foreign currency to be earned from physically challenged tourists,'' she said.

Ms Hatcher, who spoke for Mr. Willard Fox because of difficulties he has speaking, told about 14 tourists who checked into a Bermuda hotel last year.

Only one of them was in a wheelchair, but they all left when they found there was no way for their companion to get around the Island.

Bermuda has no accessible taxis, and "the whole thing then becomes a bit of a nightmare instead of a holiday,'' she said. "It's a foolish way of limiting a market which is a big market.'' Mr. Mansfield (Jim) Brock, chairman of the commission, said he was impressed with the presentation which drew applause from about 80 people gathered at Number One Shed in Hamilton.

"There is no question in my mind whatsoever that we will make that recommendation very, very forcefully,'' Mr. Brock said. "I will personally talk to the Premier.'' It was the second of three public forums to seek input on tourism recommendations to be sent to Government. The final one is tonight at St.

George's Town Hall.

In addition to the concerns of the disabled, the commission heard about racism, price gouging, the need to hire more Bermudian entertainers and fewer foreigners, and the sad state of the abandoned Bermudiana Hotel. Businessman Mr. Roger Davidson described the Hamilton edifice as "the most gross, obscene embarrassment to every Bermudian who looks at it. Government should give the owners a fixed time to re-open it or "dispose of it,'' he said.

"I don't think we can tolerate having that antique falling down in our midst.'' Mrs. Muriel Archer complained that the Visitors Service Bureau closes at 2 p.m., leaving many visitors frustrated and angry.

"Rather than shut down at two o'clock, I think we should be open until 7 p.m.,'' she said. "If it's that bad (for funding), let's get some volunteers.''