new Millennium, modelling them on one "phenomenally successful'' Pembroke school.

And calling children as "our future'', Health and Social Services Minister Nelson Bascome underlined his Cabinet colleagues' commitment to Bermuda's younger generation when he visited Happy Valley Day Care Centre on Thursday during an Open House.

The event was held in honour of International Children's Day, which takes place today, marked by a host of ceremonies and events.

Greeted with a special "Storybook comes alive'' show by the excited youngsters, Mr. Bascome toured the centre and remarked on its "one of the kind'' facilities.

He explained that he and his Ministry had been inspired by the "phenomenal success'' of the school and were planning to model a host of similar Government run facilities on it, to be spread all over the Island.

"I am here to underscore this Government's commitment to our children and the family unit and the extended family unit,'' Mr. Bascome said.

"To that end, I am pleased to announce today that this Government is now conducting a full review of all the services and programmes offered here at Happy Valley.'' Mr. Bascome included that the new schools would have to comply with new Government regulations which would set standards for nurturing the "social, physical, intellectual and emotional development of our children''.

Referring to the Happy Valley facility, he said: "I hope you will take some time to view the school. Just check out the arts, crafts and food that have been prepared by these creative youngsters,'' he said.

"But is one facility like this enough?'' Mr. Bascome asked, "As a community we have a continuing challenge to help ensure the healthy development of our children.

"It starts here, when children are small. At places like this a positive atmosphere can be created in which they can both play and learn, in which they can feel good about themselves.''