The public is encouraged to complete and return their sustainable development questionnaires by August 1, in order to have their voices included in the Island?s development strategy action plan. Sustainable Development Project Team Member Charles Clarke said having your say on the Island?s future is free. Stamps are not necessary on Government envelopes.

Mr. Clarke, who is also of the Ministry of Tourism and Transport said the consultation document, which was sent along with the questionnaire to every home in Bermuda, was a snapshot of Bermuda?s current social, economic and environmental climate. ?The picture tried to give an overview of where we are now,? he said. ?It shows some of the areas of concern we have.?

Areas for concern is a strong economic reliance on international business and tourism. In 2000, $967 million was spent by international companies, it said, however in 2003, Bermuda spent $833 million on imported goods and $226 million on overseas trips. ?Bermuda remains a relatively safe place,? it said. ?Reported crime has stolen but there are concerns about increases in violent crime.?

It said the amount of violent crimes have increased between 2003 and 2004 from 244 to 285, while breaking and entering offences had decreased.

?In 2000, 94 percent of prisoners were male, 92 percent were black,? it said. Each prisoner currently costs $61,029 and 14 percent of inmates have mental disabilities, it said. Visitors are very pleased when they leave Bermuda, but it said the ?age wave,? when the number of seniors collecting a pension is greater than the number of workers, will wash into Bermuda.

There is enough concrete on the Island that it would cover Devonshire and an area the size of Ferry Reach Park is lost to development every three years, it said. And as well as using more electricity, Bermuda is consuming four times the amount of water it did in 1967. Additional questionnaires and information are available online at the Team?s web-site www.chartingourcourse.gov.bm

?We hope the public will fill in their questionnaire and send it back as we will be using them to form a strategy and action plan,? Mr. Clarke said.