put the "Bermuda back into Bermuda tourism''.

Hundreds turned out last night to hear several PLP candidates speak of the youth and the future of Bermuda at a rally at St. John's Field in Pembroke.

"When we become the Government we want to put the Bermuda in Bermuda tourism,'' said Shadow Tourism Minister David Allen. "We want to get Bermudian talent back on the stages and back in the hotels.

"We should make sure that homegrown talent makes it to the top of the industry,'' he added. "We have a plan for tourism which includes stressing the uniqueness of Bermuda and Bermudians.'' Devonshire South candidate Quinton Butterfield told the crowd that a PLP Government would "invest and reinvest in the youth'' and promised they would heed their concerns "at all times not just at election time''.

His running mate Danny Farias attempted to educate the audience on environmental woes of the Island which he claimed the Government was turning a blind eye to.

And he brought along a sample of the garbage he found spewing into the South Shore waters from the City of Hamilton's sewer pipe.

Meanwhile, Devonshire North MP Paula Cox urged all to get on the "soul train'' to save the soul of Bermuda.

"I'm talking about the Bermuda soul train,'' she said. "Young people can make a change and make a difference.'' PLP Senator and Pembroke West Central candidate Neletha Butterfield challenged the youth to equip themselves to meet the demands of the future.

"Young people should be equipped with tools as they move into the 21st century,'' she said. "You have to be prepared and equipped to compete, for example you have to have computer skills and a lot of young people don't have computer skills. You need them.'' Running mate and former assistant Police commissioner Wayne Perinchief said the youth needed to realise that the older generation depended on them to fulfil their dreams and carry out their plans.

And he urged young men to communicate with boys in a bid to guide them along the right path.

PLP MP Stanley Morton encouraged young people to get involved with community activities where they could develop skills which would help them to become the "leaders of tomorrow''.

On a sadder note, several speakers expressed their sadness over the death of St. George's MP Leon (Jimmy) Williams who passed away last weekend.

"He has done great things for Bermuda,'' said PLP backbencher Ottiwell Simmons.

And a moment of silence was held in Mr. Williams' memory.