from all economic strata felt "somewhat adrift and alienated from their social institutions''.

But she proposed one tool to help them.

Mrs. Maria Martin Thacker who hails from Virginia and has taught at St.

George's Secondary School for one year, said the introduction of a national youth service would be one way to cope with many of the problems facing Bermuda's young people.

Mrs. Thacker explained that her vision of a national youth service would use much of the structure provided by the Regiment, but would place less emphasis on militarism and unlike the Regiment would include all youth of school-leaving age.

She admitted it would be premature to estimate how much a model designed for Bermuda would cost, but said ultimately such a service would save the country money.

"In the US, depending on the model being used, the cost ranges between $10,000 and $23,000 (per person) for one year. That is cheap compared to the social cost of loss of productivity, crime and substance abuse. It costs $35,500 to house one prisoner for a year in a Bermudian prison.

"But don't let cost scare you away from considering this concept for Bermuda.

Generally, private financing has proved more stable because it avoids the volatile nature of political forces.'' The idea of a national youth service was welcomed by some people spoken to by The Royal Gazette .

"I think a programme like this would give our youth some direction,'' said 21-year-old Michelle Burrows, who is studying Marketing and Public Relations at Kean College in New Jersey.

"When I finished high school I did not know what I wanted to do. It was only after I started working that I found out what I wanted.'' Her comments were echoed by 27-year-old Nicky Wainwright who expressed concern about her six-year-old son's future. "I think a lot of youth are getting into a lot of trouble. A youth service is a great idea. I have a six-year-old and I would not like him to grow up in the type of environment that exists for young people now.'' Opposition Senate Leader Alex Scott said the idea of a national youth service was not new.

"Our party has called for a national youth service in the last two elections,'' he said. "It would be a broadening of the experience provided by the Regiment. It would be an opportunity for the youth to get skills and interact with business.

"The youth service could be expanded to include the coast guard and air and sea rescue.

"It could provide practical skills for youth in preparation for Independence.''