Bermuda?s most ambitious young people are queuing up to leave the Island because of a lack of career opportunities, Premier Alex Scott was told in unequivocal terms last night.

?We have a whole generation at the door waiting to decide,? Youth on the Move (YOM) president Carlton Simmons told the Premier at an open meeting at the Bermuda Industrial Union last night.

Organised by YOM, last night?s meeting gave young Bermudians the opportunity to ask their leader questions on any topic they wished and receive an answer to their faces.

Those present took full advantage of the opportunity.

The number one concerns were the plight of Bermudians versus expatriate workers, particularly in the job and housing markets; the availability of training for young Bermudians interested in going in to the trades; the proposed amendment to the Human Rights Act covering sexual orientation; and the nationality of the Bermuda Police Service.

Not a single question was asked about Deputy Premier Ewart Brown?s challenge to Premier Scott?s leadership of the Progressive Labour Party and of the country. Finance Minister Paula Cox was present in the crowd and answered several questions along with Mr. Scott, however she was not asked about the possible change in leadership either. No questions were asked about Independence either.

All concerns raised by Bermuda?s young people at the meeting were immediate concerns that could and should be tackled regardless of the Island?s long-term constitutional status, Mr. Scott told after the meeting.

The fact that many young Bermudians have discovered that selling drugs is a far more profitable enterprise than a job contributing to the Bermudian community was high on the list of concerns of those present, however. ?Drugs are our terrorism,? Mr. Simmons told the Premier to loud applause.

In an indication both of the relevance of the issues raised by the young people and of Government?s foresight in anticipating those issues, Mr. Scott was forced to repeatedly advise those present to read the Throne Speech in two weeks time.

The Government, he promised, will be unveiling numerous initiatives then which will tackle many of the problems raised last night.

As for the fact that young Bermudians can and will leave the Island should they feel Bermuda does not present them with the opportunities they desire, Mr. Scott said after the meeting this was a sentiment he has heard before.

?We cannot afford to lose you,? he told the meeting. ?You are at a premium.?

Young people must do their part too, however. Regarding education, using his own son as an example, he said: ?I?m not sure whether the system is failing the students or the students are failing to use the system to its maximum capability.

?I accept some responsibility, the system must be improved. But Bermudians must utilise the opportunities that are there.

?Don?t look to the Government to save you from everything,? he added later.

While the Government must tackle issues that are beyond one individual?s control, such as immigration, Bermudians must hold themselves accountable also.

?You have the ability within yourselves to accomplish so much,? the Premier continued. ?When does a population say wait a minute, we have a responsibility? Use your political clout ? but don?t become those who feel that a government can and must do everything, because then you are doing a disservice to yourselves.?

Youth Minister Dale Butler shared the stage with Mr. Scott. PLP MPs Glenn Blakeney and Michael Scott were also present, as was UBP Senator Gina Spence-Farmer. Roughly 50 young Bermudians attended the meeting.