repay the community by cleaning it up.

KBB president Mr. Barry Brewer last night told The Royal Gazette Bermuda can benefit from having minor offenders clean up litter around the Island rather than paying a fine or going to jail for speeding and other minor traffic offences.

"There's a lot of people who will be better off doing community service rather than paying a fine or doing time,'' he said.

The KBB's call comes at a time when a major review of Bermuda's criminal justice system, particularly the high proportion of young black male prisoners, is underway.

Review chairman Judge Stephen Tumim, said initial findings revealed 40 percent of Bermuda's prisoners are jailed for minor offences such as driving while disqualified, wandering abroad or littering.

The KBB's proposal was turned down by Government, which opted to take a different route -- fining speeders travelling up to 55 k.p.h. with a valid licence on the spot as of August 1.

But KBB volunteer lawyer and environmental committee member Ms Christine Hoskins has sent the group's proposal to the recently-formed criminal justice system review team.

Mr. Brewer said its proposal, based on New York city's Second Chance programme, would require the hiring of people as supervisors.

But he said if the amendment was made to the Traffic Code tomorrow, the KBB could put someone in place as soon as next month.

Assistant Parks Director Mr. Bill Cook was also supportive.

Mr. Cook, who has seen the Second Chance programme work, said: "I think this is one alternative because by having youngsters do this they get a good work value. I think it is a positive experience.'' The Second Chance programme involving offenders up to 21-years-old worked well, he said. "And if someone did not work out, we sent them back to the courts,'' he added.

He said Bermuda had attempted a similar practice with six young offenders during the past two years and it was successful.

The youngsters, one of whom is now fully employed with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks Department, were referred by probation officer Mr. Norvell Furbert to the Parks section where they worked throughout the Island with Parks' crews.

Mr. Cook said while there were only six participants, the fact there was no failure rate is extraordinary.

The Parks department has not received any more referrals since, but he said he would like to see the programme continue.