its new approach to law reform means it should happen quickly.

While many rights and privileges are granted to 18-year-olds, no-one is legally an adult in Bermuda until they have reached the age of 21. Anyone under this age is not considered wholly accountable for their actions.

During sentencing of a 19-year-old Pembroke man recently, Magistrate Edward King commented that the Government needs to amend the law. The observation arose as prosecutors pointed out that due to the defendant's age, he needed a surety to sign for his bail.

Mr. King asked the rhetorical question: "Can this man go to fight in Kosovo?'' He then explained the man could as he was old enough to be in the Bermuda Regiment. He also said the defendant was free to get married or fight in a war and stated that it was "ridiculous'' that he "cannot be held accountable for his own actions and cannot sign his own bail form''.

Mr. King then specifically called on the Government to rectify the matter.

"I hope this new Government will bring about changes and amend this legislation,'' he said.

Attorney General Lois Browne Evans told The Royal Gazette she supported Mr.

King's call and promised Government will be looking into it.

"We certainly will be looking to make such changes,'' she said. "We will be the vanguard in this area. The UBP had made promises too and legally there are so many technicalities as it will affect so many other pieces of legislation.'' But Mrs. Browne Evans explained that the PLP have a different more efficient approach.

"We now have an active Attorney General and an active law reform committee and we will be active.'' COURTS CTS