Calvin Smith .

He said behaviour was getting worse despite the fact that the Country had moved away from segregation and opportunities were increasing.

Sen. Smith said a recent confrontation with a stranger unhappy with his driving was typical of new low standards in personal interaction.

He said he had been sworn at loudly to his face. He said: "The Country is not going to be successful if this continues. "They are equal opportunity abusers, they will abuse anyone who comes in their way.

"There needs to be a massive education programme to explain why they should not behave in this way -- not just in schools but in the whole country.'' He said Bermuda was in a tenuous situation as it had no natural resources so Bermudians needed to make sure they didn't drive away business with bad behaviour.

Opposition Senate Leader Sen. Maxwell Burgess backed Sen. Smith. Sen. Burgess said unhappiness was linked to the housing situation and that a new underclass had been created.

He said: "Bermuda is good for us, but is it good for them?'' He said children were still going to school without breakfast and help needed to be given before they became a problem for society in later life.

Sen. Calvin Smith