programmes, a Cabinet Minister has announced.

Home Affairs Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness said the schemes would prepare people for tourism and international business.

And it would enable them to reap rich rewards from Bermuda's economic revival.

Mr. Edness, who also holds the new public safety portfolio, also sounded a warning to another group among Bermuda's youth -- cycle thieves.

They would be hit hard as part of an all-out Government offensive against crime.

One idea was to compel thieves to replace a bike which could not be returned to its owner intact.

Another was to force parents to pay a hefty part of the fine.

"Parents have to be more responsible. Maybe this would make them pay more attention to what their 13-and 14-year-olds are doing,'' he said. "We recognise, though, that not all parents are at fault. We feel young people about to get their first bike need to go through a period of education to learn why not to steal.

"There should be some sort of classes for 15 and 16-year-olds to make them more responsible.'' Mr. Edness' comments came as he pledged to make job training and the fight against crime two leading priorities in his Ministry.

He said the training schemes would involve the public and private sectors.

"It's my belief Bermuda, like other countries, is going through a tremendous transition since the last recession.

"Companies are having to consolidate and a number of jobs are not going to come back. I don't see unemployment changing rapidly.'' Mr. Edness said the proposed programmes would be geared for people of all educational backgrounds and would have a double focus.

"Firstly, we have to retrain people to get them in the growth areas, in communications and financial services, to support international business.

"Secondly, a vast number of jobs are available in the hospitality industry.

"I hope to be able to encourage training of Bermudians who have never worked in this industry.

"They have got to understand that jobs in hotels or restaurants are honourable jobs, and provide a wonderful way to support your family and build a career.

"They offer a chance for people to educate their children and obtain a good life for themselves.'' Mr. Edness said trainees, probably working with hotels, would earn a small sum, or stipend.

He hoped to announce details of the programme shortly.

"I take the view that the next two years are going to represent a wonderful opportunity of growth for Bermuda.

"All the signs show that Bermuda will experience good economic growth during this period, and it is important Bermudians should train to get themselves in a position to take advantage of this.'' On the crime front, Mr. Edness said he had a special responsibility as his portfolio included Public Safety.

"More young people are committing violent acts, and abuse of alcohol and drugs is increasing,'' he said. "We take the view that the crime problem is of exceptional proportions, and can destroy our way of life, and destroy our economy.

"It means we as a country will have to take exceptional measures.'' Mr. Edness said the United Bermuda Party caucus had racked its brains over the epidemic of cycle thefts.

A number of ideas had been suggested, and these would be taken up with the Police.

"We need the public to contribute to assist us in tackling this problem,'' he said. "We need to demonstrate to those people who remove another person's cycle that they must pay restitution and contribute to society.'' Mr. Edness said caucus felt fines for cycle thefts should be heavy.

It was also suggested such crimes should affect a young person's right to get a licence at 16.

Edness profile -- Page 3