Government has reaffirmed its commitment to Bermuda?s youth.

Sen. Raymond Tannock underlined the Youth Survey that would take place this year.

The Ministry of Community Affairs and Sports has allocated $88,000 so that the Department of Statistics can undertake a survey of youths aged 11-18 in both public and private schools. It is hoped that the survey will assist the Ministry to evaluate and formulate future policies.

Sen. Tannock said the Ministry was an important part of Government?s social agenda and that the National Youth Development Policy, established last year, illustrated Government?s commitment to Bermuda.

The policy aims to provide Bermuda?s young people with marketable skills, opportunities to give back to the community, knowledge about healthy lifestyles and leadership skills, among other things.

This year the Ministry plans to launch a website for the youth and by the youth. The website will give them a voice, provide them with information about groups on the Island and a list of activities happening every month.

Sen. Tannock, speaking during a discussion on the Ministry of Community Affairs and Sport?s budget, also told of important advances Government was making in sports, saying that the first instalment of the $11 million pledge to cricket will enable the sport to continue preparations for the Island?s first appearance in the ICC World Cup in 2007. The Bermuda Cricket Board will receive $1.9 million this year, part of the funds will go towards a youth development programme.

He also spoke of a pamphlet the Ministry released about women in sports and reiterated a commitment to improving and supporting women?s sport on the Island.

The Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs will also give 20 percent of its budget to organisations that support the arts. The Bermuda Arts Council will receive $129,000. Approximately $200,000 has also been set aside so that people wishing to study the arts can apply for educational grants. The Bermuda National Gallery will receive $41,000 while the Menuhin Foundation will receive $77,000.

Opposition Sen. Gina Spence Farmer said that she felt the important Ministry had been overlooked for a period of time due to lack of funding. She argued that because the Ministry deals with Bermuda?s future it should be considered an important one.

She said many groups have struggled for years with little funding and urged Government to do a grassroots outreach initiative to ensure that all groups got the necessary support. She also said the Youth Survey should examine what students are currently doing because many individuals have started up small businesses or organisations.