ranging in age from five to 18.

The students were asked to write an essay entitled: `The future of Bermuda depends on us and this is how I see it happening.' The title was chosen to reflect the theme of this year's BF&M calendar: `It takes all kinds to make one of a kind.' Mr. Glen Titterton, president of BF&M, said, "We chose that theme because it is one that students do not find easy to write about.'' Mr. Titterton called the winning entries "delightful'' and the comments made by the students, "potent and refreshing.'' "It was very interesting to see what impression life and the news media make on them.'' Students discussed problems they saw in the community and what they would do to solve them if they had the chance.

Some of the more sobering discussions were about racism in the community.

Students as young as seven advised Bermudians to "cooperate and stop bickering.'' "White people and black people do not cooperate just because of their skin colour! What's the difference ?'' said Steven Campbell, seven, of Saltus Cavendish. Steven won second place in the five to seven category.

"People, black or white, can remind each other that it is not just one man's island, but it is everyone's island and together we can keep it as it is...'' wrote Erica Frith, nine, of Bermuda High School, who got an honourable mention in the eight to nine category.

Katherine Dunleavy, aged 14, of Saltus, won an honourable mention in the 14-18 category. "All should be treated as equal, no more "black'' or "white'', put an end to this power struggle, for no one needs to fight,'' she wrote..

"As I walk certain places with my school uniform on I see eyes starting at me, as if to say, `why does that coloured girl go to that "white'' school? The sad thing is I don't just get looks from the opposite race, I get them from my own,'' said Deanna Deshields, 13, of Bermuda High School, who received an honourable mention in the 10-13 age group.

Students not only expressed concerns about race but also the destruction of the environment that make Bermuda a paradise.

"If I was in charge I would make everyone recycle,'' said Giulia Azzario, seven, of Purvis Primary. Giulia won first place in the five to six age group.

"We should break all the saws so they will not cut any more trees down,'' said Logan Alexander, seven, of Saltus Cavendish. Logan got an honourable mention in the five to seven category.

"Stop throwing trash into the sea. We could tell people not to be lazy and take their trash and put it in the garbage because it gets ducks in a tangle and fish get caught in it and die. We could snip the plastic circles of six packs to help,'' said Kai Minors, six, of Warwick Academy Primary.

Eleven-year-old Danielle Yeo of Bermuda High School wrote of Bermuda fish going on strike because of ocean pollution. "If only we had been more considerate of our environment.'' "We have so many cars here that Bermuda is going to become one great big parking lot,'' said Gabby Salvia, nine, of Bermuda High School. Gabby received an honourable mention.

The students that entered the contest indicated that they were not only aware of current environmental issues, but political affairs and debates as well.

Many of the winning entries discussed the effects of bickering in parliament, strike action, and what independence could mean for Bermuda's future.

"Bermuda will probably become independent in the future and we have to prepare ourselves for that,'' said Latoya Fields, eight, of Southampton Glebe, who was third in the eight to nine age group.

"How can we function independently when we are just about functioning as dependent ?'' asked Merate-Kristos Place of Berkeley Institute, who won third place in the 10 to 13 age group.

"The citizens of today's Bermuda find themselves facing a difficult period amid burning questions that are as of yet unanswered. Disputes abound between hotels and their workers...government haggles with labour unions...the press is accused of misrepresentation and bias,'' said the first place winner in the 14-18 age group, Nicholas Pacheco, 15, of Mount Saint Agnes.

"The most important thing that can be done to rectify the various schisms that have split our community is to make our children understand themselves and each other,'' he said.

Nicholas was one of four first place winners in the contest. There were four age groups with first, second and third prize and two honourable mentions in each.

Many of the entries discussed the undermining of the community through political, social and racial bickering. Entries discussed a social split in the community.

"We cannot afford to waste precious time beautifying the island if the people inside are bitter towards one another. It is time for the people of Bermuda to cease cultural and racial prejudice and come together as one.'' said Wesley Hall, 16, of Saltus, who was third in the 14-18 age group.

Certificates and prizes were awarded in the ACE building last Wednesday night.

The awards were announced by Mr Titterton. and presented to each child by the Hon. Charles Collis.

Judges for the competition were Mrs. Florenz Maxwell of the Bermuda Youth Library, Ms Rosemary Jones, Ms Meredith Ebbin and Mr. James Ziral.

The schools of the first place winners received a $1,000 donation to their library. The first place winners themselves won $50 gift certificates. The first place winners were: Giulia Azzario of Purvis (five to seven); Melanie Hitchcock of Port Royal (eight to nine); Sophia Greaves of BHS (10 to 13) and Nicholas Pacheco of MSA (14-18).

WORKING TOGETHER -- Glenn Titterton of BF&M hands Kai Minors,6, of Warwick Academy his prize. Surrounding them are the other winners of the BF&M essay contest entitled: `The future of Bermuda depends on us working together.'