"These people committed crimes, but that was lost on him (Senator Scott). No wonder they say the PLP is soft on crime,'' she said.

While conceding some problems within the prison system, all the criticism ignores the good work being done there, such as the educational programming, she added.

Sen. Milligan-Whyte said 60 percent of those in the Police Service were Bermudian.

And 83 percent of officers between the ranks of Inspector and Assistant Commissioner were Bermudian, she added.

Sen. Milligan-Whyte said it was only a perception that the Police Service was top heavy with non-Bermudians.

It was a perception fuelled by the fact that the Commissioner was an expatriate.

"We are talking about a Police Service primarily managed by Bermudians for 20 years.

On education, Sen. Milligan-Whyte accepted there was a disruptive element in schools.

He said Government wanted to put in place alternative programmes for these youngsters, rather than throw them out of schools.

"Young people with discipline problems can be dealt with outside the class but in the school. I don't believe in separating children.'' Sen. Milligan-Whyte said it was not just Government's responsibility to deal with such youngsters.

Parents also had a role to play, she said, adding Government had recently put out a code of conduct.

Likewise with drugs, said Sen. Milligan-Whyte, it was not just Government's responsibility.

"We all have a collective responsibility to deal with the drug problem.'' Sen. Milligan-Whyte said Government had made it clear to the National Drug Commission the importance of harnessing the support of the community.

If children were not instilled with values by their parents, where else would they get them? From the street.

Turning to traffic, Sen. Milligan-Whyte said she hoped Senators would have an opportunity in this session to debate a national plan.

"The traffic problem is becoming a cause of great concern.'' Sen. Milligan-Whyte believed Bermuda may not have focussed enough attention on using the water to ease traffic congestion.

It may even be worthwhile looking at the possibility of bridges and tunnels, she added.

On Sunday shopping, Sen. Milligan-Whyte said the issue had been reviewed.

"It was decided Sunday shopping should remain. It's a feature of Bermudian life and Bermudians have got used to it.'' Switching to drug-free zones, Sen. Milligan-Whyte stressed Government was committed to eradicating drugs.

But there was a finite number of Police officers -- and it made sense to target more resources in the most sensitive areas, such as around schools.