year to help the Island come to grips with problems facing young people.

Dr. Cosby, who holds a Ph.D in education, will be guest speaker at the second annual National Educational Conference organised by a joint committee of educators and parents.

The committee is made up of representatives of the National PTA, Bermuda Union of Teachers, Bermuda Middle School Association, Phi Delta Kappa local chapter, and the Association of School Principals.

And yesterday ASP president Mr. Melvyn Bassett said the purpose of the conference, to be held at Southampton Princess on February 12, was to encourage parents to become more involved in their children's education.

He said a variety of workshops for parents, young people, educators, and the community at large, were also planned to foster "greater educational and family awareness''.

"We plan to address some of the critical issues affecting our youth, families, and our community,'' Mr. Bassett said.

The committee invited Dr. Cosby to give the conference a greater impact.

"As Dr. Cosby has published a number of books on the subject of parenting, and has undertaken a great deal of work involving the family -- with fathers in particular -- we feel that he will be an ideal speaker,'' he added.

"We also feel as head of organisations working with youth, we have a responsibility to not only look to the Government, but also to the responsibility and talent we have to address some of these concerns.'' The conference, which is a follow-up to one held last year when education expert and lawyer Dr. Crystal Kuykendall was guest speaker, carries the theme "Parents the Vital Link''.

Mr. Bassett said the committee had already begun to solicit support from the business community.

Tickets for a black-tie dinner on the night of the conference, where Dr. Cosby will be featured, go on sale next week. Costing $125 a plate, they can be secured by calling the BUT office at 292-6515 or 292-6483.

292-6483.

Dr. Bill Cosby.