license all child care givers.

And Mrs. Toni D'Amato also called for convicted child abusers to receive psychological help.

Mrs. D'Amato said pressure could be put on Government by supporting the Coalition for the Protection of Children.

She appealed for Bermudians to back the coalition's leaders Ms Sheelagh Cooper and Ms Margaret Hern.

Last week Hamilton baby sitter Filomena Cabral was convicted of bruising the thigh of 10-month-old Daniella, possibly with a belt.

A social inquiry report was ordered and sentencing put off until June 17.

After the conviction, Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness, revealed licensing and screening for baby sitters was planned. He told the House of Assembly Cabral was supposedly caring for no more than five children.

Carers of up to five youngsters currently do not have to be licensed.

And this was why Cabral, 32, of Laffan Street, was not suspended after being charged.

Independent MP Mr. Stuart Hayward lashed out at delays in bringing child abuse cases to justice.

In an open letter yesterday to Ms Cooper and Ms Hern, to be published in The Royal Gazette , Mrs. D'Amato heaps praise on the coalition.

She also calls on Government to toughen up its laws to ensure all child care givers -- regardless of how many are in their charge -- are properly screened and licensed.

Carers should then be suspended when suspected of child abuse, and have their licences revoked after being charged, states Mrs. D'Amato.

"Additionally, upon conviction of the perpetrator, it should be the responsibility of Government to ensure that, in addition to strict punitive measures being taken, the convicted receive adequate psychological therapy, as one would conclude that people committing these sorts of crimes against innocent children, are not mentally normal.

"Especially those who show lack of, or no remorse.'' Mrs. D'Amato adds: "Hopefully, by the imposition of stricter laws, the saying `an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure' will prove to be true''.