called for an attack on the root causes of crime.

During the Throne Speech debate, Mr. Cox said Government funds on beating crime would be wasted if the causes were not dealt with.

For too long, Government had ignored and neglected the social fabric of Bermuda, he said.

And he added surveys showed there was a correlation between unemployment and crime.

Mr. Cox -- the first MP to speak on the Throne Speech debate after Opposition Progressive Labour Party Leader Jennifer Smith and Premier David Saul -- urged Government to create jobs for all Bermudians, including students who gained qualifications overseas.

He went on to declare a National Training Bill was good to see, but he hoped it was not just words and Government would deliver and education and training would be given to Bermudians.

On the question of the base lands, he said the Bermuda Land Development Company needed Government resources to help it succeed.

"The base lands are a gold mine coming back to us and we should look to them to put us back on the map where we belong,'' said Mr. Cox.

He added: "I hope there is a well-designed plan. Bermuda is so small people have to sit down, evaluate and examine the implications and come up with the necessary plan.'' Continuing on the Throne Speech, Mr. Cox said there was confusion over what Government intended for pensions and said a booklet should have been produced explaining the policies.

On the tax review recently announced by the Finance Minister, Mr. Cox said he had for years called for a review and he hoped this time something would be done.

Regarding gender and race discrimination, the Shadow Finance Minister said: "I am glad that Government has been awakened that we have race and gender discrimination and I am glad they are using Bermudians to deal with it.

"But I do not see any funding for the measures in the Throne Speech.'' Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness spoke to applaud the work of the Governor, Lord Waddington and his wife during their time in Bermuda. They are leaving the Island next year.

"Lord Waddington is the best Governor we have had. He and his wife have been tremendous at supporting programmes in the private sector that have benefited this country and they have been tremendous in supporting Government and the Opposition.'' He then tore into the PLP's response to the Throne Speech saying it was full of "generalities and what if's'' and was nothing but a public relations exercise.

Focusing on the UBP's 32 years in Government was just a gimmick, said Mr.

Edness and the PLP's response was full of "ridiculous statements''.

He accused the PLP of going soft on crime and said Government was committed to cracking down on the crime problem, dealing with drugs and drunken drivers.

"We believe that the problems of drugs and crime are so serious that we must work together to try and rid this country of these problems. When that happens we can make even greater progress together,'' said Mr. Edness.

Last week's Throne Speech concentrated heavily on law and order and yesterday Mr. Edness outlined some of Government's plans to strengthen the Police and the law. He said Government was committed to the future support of the Police Service Strategy, greater civilianisation to put more officers on the beat and the strengthening of the narcotics division. Government, he said, planned to spend considerable sums on upgrading buildings and new technology which would be able to interact with Police forces around the world.

Mr. Edness said there would be funding for close circuit television and a new Police radio system as well as speed reduction cameras. There will also be new equipment for the Scenes of Crimes Office.

The Minister added: "We have to concentrate more effort on drug supply and interdiction but also demand reduction programmes.

"Bermuda's soft underbelly as far as drugs are concerned is that we are a tourist country. It is no secret that when a cruise ship comes in the drug supplies are buoyant. Everyone knows the cruise ships are our achilles heel and we have to plug that.'' Remainder of debate in Monday's newspaper .

Quinton Edness