to support him on changes facing the Island.

In a letter written on personal stationery, the Hon. Sir John Swan writes about the threatened closure of Bermuda's US Naval Air Station, the recession, economic prospects, the Island's drug problem, education, and discrimination.

The letter, dated Monday, has been sent to all 34,000 registered voters in Bermuda. It was paid for by the United Bermuda Party.

On the Base, Sir John says his meetings this summer with American President Mr. Bill Clinton and British Prime Minister Mr. John Major went "beyond politics and speak directly to the responsibility you have entrusted me with as Premier.

"My job was to utilise the significant international contacts I have been fortunate enough to establish on your behalf in the best interests of Bermuda.'' Whatever the Americans decide, "we are ready and able to protect Bermuda's economic interests and minimise any disruptions.'' Neither the UBP nor the Progressive Labour Party are mentioned in the letter, addressed to "Dear constituent,'' but it is clearly an appeal for votes.

The UBP frequently criticises the PLP caucus for lack of business experience.

The Premier invites that comparison when he says that facing international challenges "in a business-like and responsible manner has been key to Bermuda's growth, stability and future development.'' And after asking Bermudians to work with him to bring about change, the Premier closes the two-page letter with the new UBP slogan: "The future depends on it.'' He also promises that "as we chart our steady course forward and finalise our blueprint for the future, I will be writing again in detail.'' Bermudians can take pride in emerging from the recession "in far better shape than any other country that I know of,'' but "cannot be complacent,'' Sir John says.

Although the economy is improving, "the economic challenges are as significant today as they have ever been.'' After touching on developments in tourism, international business, social programmes, and health care, Sir John turns to drugs, saying Government is addressing the "plague'' through treatment, education, prevention, and enforcement.

The new $40-million prison is designed to rehabilitate and "we hope to make it the last resort, not the first, particularly when dealing with our youth,'' Sir John adds.

Education reforms would help "every child to become a productive citizen.'' In future, "no effort will be as central as taking the next steps in guaranteeing full, fair and equal opportunity for every Bermudian,'' the Premier says. "We will not tolerate discrimination in any form. Where voluntary cooperation is not forthcoming, we will put strong teeth into our commitment to make Bermuda a worldwide model for achieving unlimited opportunity for all.''