sweeping proposals to eradicate racism and ensure equal rights for all residents.

Crime, which Government was "gravely concerned about'', and race dominated Governor Lord Waddington's Speech from the Throne yesterday.

But he made mention of several other challenges to Government including Independence and the Airport.

Lord Waddington also outlined a series of social initiatives to help the young and old of Bermuda.

Among them were a pensions review and more community recreation areas in high-density neighbourhoods.

The Governor announced Government will push for a new law to enable the Police to play a greater role and seek overseas help in cracking international drug trafficking schemes.

And legislation will be laid before Parliament to create a National Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE) to encourage positive race relations and work towards eliminating all forms of institutional racism.

A Referendum will be held to decide the question of Independence from Great Britain, he said, but only after debate of a Green Paper on the pros and cons of the issue and "intensive public education programme''.

A new Air Operations team will be established to manage all matters relating to what will become the Bermuda International Airport and to ensure job opportunities for Bermudians.

Lord Waddington said the United Bermuda Party was continuing work towards meeting its remaining 93 Blueprint commitments.

But it was also putting renewed energies into achieving many other initiatives required to ensure the "efficient running of our highly complex and sophisticated society''.

"Government is gravely concerned about the negative impact of crime in our society,'' the Governor said. "Steps will be taken to deal with certain specific concerns: crimes associated with drugs, violence in the home and crimes against tourists.

"Parish constables are being reorganised to strengthen community policing.

"Support for the Police and drug interdiction will be increased and this will be balanced by programmes in the area of drug education, prisoner rehabilitation and counselling.'' Efforts this session will also be focussed on assuming responsibility from the US Navy for air traffic control, meteorology, crash, fire and rescue services and security, he said.

Moving to race relations and human rights, Lord Waddington said: "The Government recognises that race is a very sensitive issue in Bermuda, but it is heartened by the candid manner in which Bermudians are prepared to discuss the problem.'' It was confident that "great strides towards racial equality and harmony'' could be taken.

The Criminal Code and Human Rights Act would be amended to make racially motivated acts a criminal offence.

Government will join forces with the Women's Advisory Council to improve the lot and safety of women at home and in the workplace.

Lord Waddington noted the pilot programme Stimulating the Neighbourhood Action Process, which makes available funds for community groups who submit plans for neighbourhood improvement, would be continued.

There will be a Bill to amend the Mental Health Act of 1968 to address patients' rights, modern psychiatric practice and proper development of community care.

And he said a review of certain immigration policies would be carried out to protect the interests of Bermudians while recognising obligations to non-Bermudians who reside and work in Bermuda.

On the subject of employment, Lord Waddington promised further jobs creation efforts "especially in the hard-pressed construction industry''.

The recession work programme would be continued and broadened to include ex-inmates of Westgate "to assist them to work in a structured environment for up to six months immediately following release.'' Government's open tendering policy on construction and painting contract s will also be continued and expanded to include other work areas.

And some "additional incentives'' will be given to the hotel industry to refurbish their plants and generally "revitalise the industry''.

Bills to be introduced, in short, are: The Criminal Justice (International Cooperation)(Bermuda) Bill.

An amendment to the Obscene Publications Act making it an offence in Bermuda to market satellite programmes that feature porn and to import and sell pornographic computer programmes.

The Commission for Unity and Racial Equality Bill.

A new Education Act to facilitate major changes in the system.