to be put in place quickly deserves support.

There is a broad consensus in Parliament and the Country that a register of interests specifying MPs and Senators' jobs, gifts and directorships would be beneficial to the Island's democracy.

The Register would show legislators' jobs, directorships and detail any gifts received, thus making it simple to identify conflicts of interest and reducing the risk of influence peddling.

Parliament, pushed almost single-handedly by Mr. Moniz, has already approved the plan and agreed on its rules.

Today, the joint select committee appointed to put in place and oversee the register, meets. It is to be hoped that it will do the right thing and get the register going -- an act which apparently only now requires that forms be printed up and circulated.

TIMELY REMINDER EDT Timely reminder The sinking of the Sun Vista -- formerly the Meridian -- off the coast of Malaysia last Friday may have been a geographically distant event, but psycholigically it should hit close to home.

Prior to being sold to Sun Cruises Ltd., which operates out of Singapore, the Meridian was a familiar sight in Bermuda as she made summer voyages between the US East Coast and Dockyard.

While no-one would suggest that the fire which resulted in the ship's sinking would have happened here, it should be a timely reminder of the risks which can occur at any time.

Fortunately, the passengers and crew of the Sun Vista were all evacuated safely and it would appear that the damage from the wreck was relatively limited.

We have to question whether Bermuda would get off as lightly if the same sort of event occurred off the Island's shores. While Bermuda has some rescue capabilities, it is questionable whether they are geared for the kind of rescue which would be required if an emergency similar to the Sun Vista fire were to occur 100 miles off the Island.

It is true that the US Coast Guard could be called in, but it might be worth the Government taking up the National Liberal Party's suggestion that the feasibility of a Coast Guard station, perhaps jointly manned by the US and the Bermuda Regiment, be looked into.