The Hustle Truck was yesterday relaunched two weeks after it was suspended due to anti-social behaviour from its workers.

Earlier this month, Housing Minister David Burch called off the scheme when staff hurled abuse and vandalised Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC) property in a row over pay.

Yesterday, the Minister announced the return of a "new and improved" version of the project, which involves bussing unemployed people around the Island to carry out manual labour.

The 87 workers previously employed on the Hustle Truck is being whittled down to 63, so that each of the three supervisors only has to take care of about 20 individuals when it officially resumes on Monday, September 10.

"You will be aware that as a result of disruptive behaviour three weeks ago, the programme was suspended so that a complete review could be carried out and an improved management plan implemented," Sen. Burch told a press conference.

"I am pleased to announce that over the past few weeks that process was concluded."

Since the initiative's launch in April, 270 people have participated by carrying out tasks such as landscaping, general cleaning or painting, with 26 graduating to full-time employment.

They arrive at work at 8 a.m. and undergo a seven-hour day, returning consistently throughout the week.

However, it was suspended after the incident at BHC, which Sen. Burch said involved employees repeatedly shouting abuse and damaging pictures on the wall.

Yesterday, he suggested critics of the Hustle Truck had hoped the incident would lead to its permanent demise.

"The openness of the programme was specifically designed to decrease bureaucracy and allow persons to have an opportunity at employment despite past problems," he said.

"There are some who wished for the programme to die a natural death and others who criticise the absence of a plan in initiating this programme.

"I am not moved by either of these views as the positive impact of the Hustle Truck, in spite of the challenges, has been impressive.

"To date, 26 Hustle Truck workers have graduated to full-time employment. I believe they would not have done so were it not for the existence of this initiative."

In an attempt to prevent any repeats of the BHC incident, the Hustle Truck team has also been boosted by the appointment of Shane Watson as an alcohol and drugs counsellor.

"We recognise the need for this type of support at Bermuda Housing Corporation, not just Hustle Truck workers but also for some of our tenants," said Sen. Burch.

He said the 87 people workers would be cut to 63 following an interview process. As each person graduates to full-time employment, others will be invited to participate in the programme.

Sen. Burch also paid tribute to Major Barrett Dill, BHC's deputy general manager who has overseen the programme.