After announcing free day care in their election manifesto, Dale Butler, candidate for PLP in Warwick North East, said yesterday the centres could be launched as early as April.

On Sunday, the PLP unveiled its election manifesto with pledges to provide free day care to Bermudian families in need.

The first is the free day care scheme which would be Island-wide, means-tested and would use existing facilities and churches.

Premier Ewart Brown told party supporters at Alaska Hall it doesn't matter how much it costs 'they would do it'.

He said the idea was to take away the financial burden of paying for day care from young Bermudians.

Mr. Butler said $3 million to $4 million is the budget for the free day care programme, which falls under his portfolio of Minister of Social Rehabilitation.

Asked when the centres will be opened, Mr. Butler explained it will fall under the 2008-2009 budget which begins April 1.

He said they could open as early as April or continue into the budget year.

They will not be building new day cares, but using already-built facilities and churches.

The Minister also explained there will be an application for families interested in free day care and once the criteria is determined, the application process will begin.

He said they have met with various stakeholders, listened to their concerns and taken advice.

The point of the programme is to encourage young families to save towards their own homes and retirement.

"This brave initiative will relieve many parents of a heavy financial burden, allowing them to keep a strong foothold in their workplaces where less of their earnings will go to childcare and more of their earnings will go to savings.

"We will encourage those mothers and fathers to save that money for college educations, homeownership or other investments in their children's future", Mr. Butler said.

As for businesses, companies that provide child care "minder services" to their employees at work will receive tax credits from the Government.

Mr. Butler also said quality, caring and nurturing day care lays the foundation for a solid public school education.