economy was "great''.

PLP Sen. Terry Lister said the fact that Tourism figures were down contradicted the Minister of Finance's claim that Bermuda's economy was good.

"Nothing but further decline has occurred since the new Minister of Tourism took over,'' he said. "We should have seen some changes by now.'' Sen. Lister said he wanted to see some more "creative pricing packages'' being offered to visitors.

"Sit down with the industry partners and get some good prices together.'' Sen. Lister also warned Senators that two economies were developing in Bermuda -- the rich and the poor.

"Two economies are being created, one wealthy and one that is struggling,'' he said. "And when you average it out things look good. But there is a difference between an average and the median.'' Sen. Lister also urged the Government not to allow the Island's economy to become "overheated'' -- especially in the booming construction industry.

"Don't allow a tiny economy like this to become overheated because it creates a situation of feast, then famine.'' With regards to the construction industry, Sen. Lister suggested the Government use the Planning Department as a pressure valve to slow things down and spread out the jobs over a longer period of time.

But Government Senate Leader E.T. (Bob) Richards said the construction industry was cyclical in nature and Government could not change that fundamental factor.

Sen. Richards agreed Tourism was in trouble but insisted that it was a structural, entrenched problem -- one that could not be changed overnight.

"The underlying psychology of the industry is changing but it will take time, effort and soul searching to change.''