to be found, both political parties must strive to be "less confrontation and more cooperative''.

Government Senator the Hon. Gerald Simons , issued this warning on Friday during the motion to adjourn in the Upper House during the first day of business since the summer recess.

Senators from both parties were outraged at the frequent reports of armed robberies, shootings and illegal drug activity that have formed a staple part of the country's news diet recently.

Although there was broad agreement about the scope and severity of the Island's crime problems, Senators bickered about whether both parties could put down their natural partisan alliances and come together to fight crime.

Sen. Simons (UBP) pointed out that one of the unfortunate legacies of Bermuda's British heritage is its adversarial brand of politics.

He said the public often perceived the political process as an "environment of contention''.

However, opposition Senator Milton Scott , countered that the Government's record of working with the PLP was poor.

Citing the bases he said: "We said we were willing to meet you half way and give up our role as Her Majesty's loyal opposition, but the Premier rejected that outright.'' Similarly, Sen. Scott said his party's quest to be a part of the committee which had been formed to combat the drug problem had also been slighted.

Sen. Scott then called on Government to come up with sound policy and legislation to fight crime.

But Sen. Yvette Swan immediately challenged the legitimacy of this caustic attack.

"As far as I am concerned the Government has its part to play but we all, as a community, have a responsibility to solve this problem.

"We need a multi-faceted approach to drugs and crime.'' Meanwhile, her UBP colleague Sen. Larry Scott slammed the PLP for its duplicity.

"I can remember (during the last session) when we brought issues of policy and the PLP said we need laws.

"It is time for us to be honest and set the example for those who live here.'' Sen. Scott (UBP) then chided the political establishment for its apparent surprise at the violent episodes described in the media.

"We are the makers of our own discomfort,'' he continued.

Next, Sen. Scott chastised an article in the November edition of RG Magazine which featured interviews with two drug dealers aged 26 and 40.

Sen. Neletha Butterfield said that unemployment was one of the important factors which explains the recent outbreaks of crime.

In her first words in her new role Sen. Lynda Milligan-Whyte said she was humbled to serve once again in the Senate.

"Bermuda is facing a new era of challenges,'' she said. "It's not going to be easy...we are at a significant cross roads in Bermuda's development.

Listing the bases and the part the island will play in the global community as some of the larger economic questions circulating currently, she said it was important to face these issues because of competition from other destinations.

Sen. Terry Lister agreed that Bermuda was at a cross roads which he said provided "interesting and exciting'' times.

However, he criticised the single minded pursuit of the "almighty dollar'' because he said such a quest left certain segments of the community behind.

He said the days when all it took was a few years of hard work to succeed were gone because Bermuda was no longer predominately rural.