around Island schools, parks, and other places where youth congregate and fall prey to drug dealers, passing The Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act, 1997.

The amendment, brought before the House of Assembly by Minister of Education and Human Resources Jerome Dill, provides a 300-metre total exclusion zone around all schools and the Bermuda College and levels harsh penalties to anyone caught selling drugs in those areas.

The amendment also calls for a 100-metre zone of exclusion around areas such as parks, video game facilities, youth centres, prisons, and Hamilton's Washington Lane bus terminal. Anyone caught dealing drugs in those areas could face fines up to $10,000 and an extra five-year prison term.

It is understood Government plans to monitor some of the zones using surveillance cameras, but enforcement plans were not disclosed in the House.

"The thrust of this bill is punitive, and we make no apologies for that,'' Mr. Dill told the House. The amendment is a first step to ensuring school children are given a safe, secure environment conducive to learning.

And he promised harsh penalties would be imposed on those bent on destroying families and the community through drugs.

"All Bermuda should know the Progressive Labour Party shares the sentiment of total disdain for the drug pusher,'' Dr. Ewart Brown told the House. But while the PLP supported the amendment, there remained questions about how and who would monitor the zones.

And some Opposition members questioned Government's resolve in enforcing the new measures. "Too often we come to this House and put measures in the statute books -- but that's all we do,'' said Deputy Opposition Leader Eugene Cox, questioning whether Government was only in it for the "propaganda.'' "If you're real about the amendment, Government will provide the necessary money and manpower to enforce them,'' he told the House.

Government backbenchers Maxwell Burgess and Tim Smith offered a rather more uncompromising stance towards drug dealers.

"I support the measures, but they don't go far enough,'' said Mr. Burgess.

"I'd be prepared to hang people who are prepared to play Russian Roulette with our young people.'' Former Minister of Youth and Sport Tim Smith concurred, saying to hoots of derision from the Opposition that the gallows was the only place for drug dealers.

Opposition MP Ottiwell Simmons meanwhile savaged UBP claims that it was introducing "bold'' measures in the fight against drugs.

"This is no bold step. To me a bold step requires courage and this Government is too timid.

"The truth of the matter is if the Police and Government were serious about drug dealers they can go this very moment to where the drug dealers are hanging out now; but the Police are too timid.

"This is a nonsensical step and we know it. If you want to be bold then get out there tomorrow and arrest those people selling drugs now,'' he said to loud Opposition cheers.