Government is preparing a national policy to recognise Bermudian heroes and rewarding those committed to Bermuda?s culture, Cultural and Community Affairs Minister Dale Butler announced yesterday.

The policy of recognising local heroes has already begin with the Sports Hall of Fame, he said.

However after praising renowned sports historian Warrington ?Soup? Zuill, Mr. Butler received a surprise when Mr. Zuill ? also at the Government press conference ? called Government?s track record on the construction of the National Sports Centre a ?total embarrassment, and called for Government to develop cricket clinics for those who cannot afford the clinics already running?.

Thanking Mr. Zuill for his comments, Mr. Butler said that while the Sports Centre has indeed taken nine years and $25 million to build so far, Government is making significant process on the construction of the centre core, has completed the multi-purpose facility, and has put together a committee to look at the completion of the site.

Mr. Butler also announced that Government is consulting with Workmen?s Clubs in an effort to get those community institutions thriving again, and that his Ministry has joined forces with Calvin Ming to implement the National Youth Development Strategy.

Speaking at the press conference updating the public on Social Agenda initiatives yesterday, the Minister said since Mr. Ming joined the initiative in January, Government re-activated the task forces developing the National Youth Development Strategy and finished the initial work on a website to be maintained by young people for young people.

Government has also initiated the development of a Leadership Training Certificate with the Bermuda College, provided a self-assessment tool to agencies to assist them in determining their programme needs, and linked with the Communities that Care programme at the Ministry of Health and Family Services.

Work continues between the Health Ministry and the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety on National Conference on Youth, Crime and Drug issues, and a National Strategy to Counter Youth Offenders, Mr. Butler said.

The Ministry has given $13,500 to the National Dance Foundation to support ten local dance students? participation in the Summer Institute under the tutelage of the American Ballet Theatre, and given $7,500 to Eddie Ming and his Drum Percussion School to assist him with his production of cultural festivals such as the Hoppin? John festival.

The Ministry is also working to build strong community spirit with focus on the workmen?s clubs.

Activist Rolffe Commissiong is currently leading a committee developing a process to work with clubs to determine their needs, Mr. Butler said.

?The Committee will then present recommendations to me that will propose the best means for the Government to assist the traditionally working man?s clubs. We are a small Ministry,? Mr. Butler concluded. ?But we are busy and committed to ensuring that Bermuda recognises and celebrates all of those persons and things that make us uniquely Bermudian.?