Premier Alex Scott yesterday recommitted his Government to addressing social issues, but stressed that parents, not governments, raise children, and called on the entire community to play a part.

In a speech to Hamilton Rotary Club, he also expressed optimism for the future and said that 2004 will be a better year for tourism.

“Given the proliferation of the social issues in Bermudian society today, there is a need more than ever to address these issues collectively,” he said.

“The focus of the Government should now be on the social agenda addressing the negative elements in society to improve the overall quality of life for all Bermudians.”

Social challenges facing Bermuda included “lawlessness,” drugs, affordable housing and “protecting our children against being exploited in unspeakable ways”.

Government, he said, will be taking a “collaborative approach to land development and housing, to address Bermuda's housing needs”.

And his administration will focus on finding ways to correct unacceptable behaviour, as opposed to taking a punitive approach.

“I will readily admit that our community faces the problem of lawlessness, however, very little will be accomplished by simply locking up every offender. We believe we would be better served by focusing our attention and energy on correcting unacceptable behaviour, instead of trying only to develop new and improving methods of punishing it,” he said.

The “breakdown of community and family” had created a “vast vacuum into which violence, drugs and gangs have moved”, he added.

“So even as we say no to crime, we must give people - especially our young people - something to say yes to.”

He added: “We must strategise to create a New Bermuda where the ‘haves' continue to have and the ‘have nots' have more!”

Government will ensure that drug addicts have access to helping facilities and re-establish Community Drug Treatment Services, he said.

“The Government cannot raise every child. It would be impossible to legislate acceptable behaviour for our young people,” he cautioned.

“What we can and will do, is focus our attention on educating them and, at the same time, have parents become more involved with their children's education.”

He told Rotarians of plans to amend the Education Act to provide for the creation of school boards for “families of schools”.

He said Government was working on creating a National Youth Service.

“We cannot renew our Country until we all realise that governments do not raise children, parents do - parents who know their children's teachers, turn off the television, help with the homework, and teach right from wrong - make all the difference in the life of a child,” he continued.

“And as parents and adults, it is important that we evaluate our own behaviours, attitudes and habits. We must be constantly mindful of the example we are setting for our children.”

He said: “Building a better Bermuda is not the exclusive responsibility of Government. We all have our part to play. Let us be honest; our concerns go way beyond the reach of any government programme.

“Bermudians must want to change within, if we are to bring back family and community.”

The Premier added that he was committed to a “cohesive nation, with a deep abiding respect for our differences”.

“Let me assure you that under my leadership, Bermuda will have a united government and one that listens to its people. All of its people.”

Mr. Scott had started his speech by paying tribute to late Finance Minister Eugene Cox, saying he was an ordinary man who had achieved “extraordinary things”.

“We must live by the principle that if we give ordinary people equal opportunity, quality education, and a fair shot, they too will do extraordinary things.”

On the economy, Mr. Scott said Government will continue to nurture its relationship with the international insurance industry, review financial services legislation and “partner with the banking sector to develop an initiative aimed at helping small businesses and entrepreneurs”.

And he called on all Bermuda residents to help make the tourism industry a success.

“Regardless of the quantity or quality of Government initiatives, without the support of the people of Bermuda the success of this industry is improbable.

He said changes in the management of tourism should be expected, the educational curriculum will include a tourism component and Government will build on success in increasing air travel to the Island.

“I know as a country we can renew this industry,” he said.

“I am optimistic that 2004 will be a better year for tourism and we intend to work hard with both the Minister of Tourism and our industry partners to make it so.”