Telecommunications Minister Michael Scott was warmly received by a group of senior citizens at the Bermuda College following a brief presentation on the Government?s Social Agenda yesterday.

Mr. Scott was filling in for backbencher Renee Webb, who was delayed in the Caribbean.

At a lunch meeting at the seniors? learning centre, Mr. Scott outlined the Government?s offerings for seniors, telling them: ?Our seniors contribute significantly to the lifeblood of the community and we recognise that fact.?

He continued: ?The reality is that we are living longer, and growing in numbers, and fast becoming an ageing population.?

He cited Census figures which showed that people 65 and over will make up more than ten percent of the population by 2010. Government?s Social Agenda, he said, was ?not rocket science and it?s not new, but it?s certainly important and it?s timely?.

Agenda items highlighted by Mr. Scott included a national monitoring system to ensure that senior facilities are kept up to standard, a home assessment programme, monthly meetings and workshops for seniors and a seniors? health issues forum.

The Minister said that Government recognised that many seniors are in dire financial straits and continues to look for ways to alleviate their hardships. He pointed out that planned wellness clinics will ensure that seniors will not have to use the emergency department of the hospital as their primary health care facility.

This will help put the breaks on the costs of that department, he added.

Seniors present were concerned about health care costs and many lamented the demise of the district nurse, a Bermuda institution which provided free basic health care in every parish. But a major buzz was created by Mr. Scott?s announcement of Government?s Computer Recycling plans which will see community centres receive computers, recycled from the public and private sector, and free Internet access across the Island.

One senior, Grace Swan, offered herself up for training so she could teach others how to be computer literate.

Many wondered whether there would be computer savvy people at the public locations to offer help when needed.

?That is part of the arrangement ? that there is always someone there,? Mr. Scott said. Asked if Government would consider donating computers to the seniors? learning centre, the Minister said to a round of applause: ?I would be more than happy to do that ? consider that done.?

Mr. Scott reassured his audience that computers are quite accessible.

?One of the things you will find happen with this technology is that there are certain mechanical steps that you are going to be so familiar with, based on your needs,? he said. ?It?s going to become repetitive. I doesn?t vary much from day to day ? that type of exercise. Before you know it, you?re doing it with your eyes closed.?

?We look backward with gratitude, we look upward with confidence and we look forward with hope,? said Sharon Swan in her vote of thanks.