criminals and this is the main reason why violent crime is down, a Government Minister said. But this view was not shared by the Opposition PLP, who characterised the recently-released crime figures as vindication of their view that it was only the selective reporting of crime statistics during former Commissioner Colin Coxall's time that made it look as though crime generally was down. ---- Page 2 FULL HOUSE EXPECTED IN LONDON CON Full house expected in London The second annual Bermuda Marketplace will kick off on March 2 in London with a record 29 local tourism suppliers in attendance. ---- Page 2 NDC TO LAUNCH STUDY DGS NDC to launch study Bermuda's drug watchdog is set to embark on a study which will identify substance abuse risk and protective factors. ---- Page 2 TAXI DRIVERS LIKE BROCHURES TRA TOU Taxi drivers like brochure Bermuda's taxi drivers seem pleased with an integrated transportation map, the latest offerings from the US consultancy group Monitor. ---- Page 2 TEACHERS DEMAND LUNCH BREAK ED Teachers demand lunch break Teachers have notified the Education Department that they will no longer work without their required lunch break. ---- Page 3 WOMEN'S ISSUES IN SPOTLIGHT SEN Women's issues in spotlight A report on women's issues shows women have made great strides in the community but still have a long way to go, a Government Senator said yesterday. But an Opposition Senator lambasted the Final Report of the Task Force on Women's Issues for lacking substance. ---- Page 5 INFLATION RATE IN 1997 DIPS GVT BUC Inflation rate in 1997 dips Bermuda's rate of inflation in 1997 was 2.1 percent, down from the 2.5 percent rate recorded in 1996 according to figures from the Statistics Department.

----Business, Page 13 ISLAND RUGBY LOOKS TO YOUTH RUG Island rugby looks to youth Young rugby players could take their first step towards World Cup fame in a triangular tournament involving two other nations from the Caribbean region.

---- Sport, Page 23