Senate yesterday.

Opposition Senator Terry Lister said sports authorities had been under pressure to combat drugs since the 1994 "Miami Seven'' episode in which Bermuda soccer players were charged with marijuana possession.

"I am extremely pleased to see funding is going to be available for a drugs testing programme,'' said Sen. Lister.

He pointed out drugs testing was expensive.

His comments came during the Senate debate on the Budget estimates for the Youth and Sports Ministry.

Another Opposition Senator, Neletha (Honey) Butterfield , called for more efforts to find out the needs of young people.

And she suggested surveys among schoolchildren, who often complained there was not enough to do.

"If we can find outlets to make young people motivated then we will see a better Bermuda.'' Sen. Butterfield also pressed for better netball facilities.

Government Senator Larry Scott , introducing the debate, said the Ministry had responded positively to the drugs-in-sport problem. And a clear policy to get to grips with it had been set out.

The three fundamental influences examined were the use of illicit substances, the abuse of licit substances and the use of performance enhancing substances.

The policy was developed with the assistance of local and Canadian authorities who were leaders in the area, said Sen. Scott.

Sen. Scott said the department's Budget now stood at $5.2 million.

Funds would be pumped into a variety of areas, including drugs testing and the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control for the ICC tournament in Malaysia.

Money would also go to the Bermuda Football Association and upgrading sports facilities.

Sen. Scott went on to list highlights over the past year, such as the installation of all-weather cricket pitches at Shelly Bay and Somerset and the staging of the annual Youth Parliament.

Sen. Butterfield praised a "leisure time activities'' booklet which outlined programmes for young people to get involved in.

She called for it to be distributed in churches and hotels. And she suggested a media campaign to promote it.

Sen. Butterfield said sports provided a major tool for boosting tourism.

Independent Senator Walwyn Hughes voiced concern about the behaviour at sports events.

He wondered whether the Ministry had a policy to guide clubs towards promoting better behaviour.

Sen. Lister said the Youth and Sport Ministry had a significant impact on Bermuda -- even though it attracted a small Budget.

He went on to praise the awards scheme for athletes and urged financing for programmes which encouraged young people.

Sen. Lister also hailed the return of "living legend'' Clyde Best to Bermuda.

He expressed hopes sufficient funding was made available to keep the former professional soccer star on the Island.

Senate President Albert Jackson said he was pleased at the number of programmes under the Ministry.

Such schemes were necessary to offset the loss of open space in Bermuda.

"There are a great variety of activities being offered up and down the length and breadth of the Island.''