Bid to bring in electronic commerce Mobile Police stations to target crime hotspots Mandatory drug testing in prisons The ruling United Bermuda Party yesterday pulled out all the stops in a bid to capture the hearts and minds of voters in the run-up to the General Election.

And, unveiling the party's new five-year plan, Pamela Gordon said: "This is a very different plan.

"It is one which has come from the people of Bermuda -- it's not my plan, it's theirs.'' She added: "It's a plan designed to engage our people, our companies, our charities, our unions, in a collective drive to improve Bermuda and provide real opportunity for our small Island.'' Ms Gordon said Government was committed to putting Bermuda firmly at the centre of a world-wide web of hi-tech business communications involving computerisation and the internet.

And she pledged to bring high-tech "electronic commerce'' -- or e-commerce -- to the Island as the "third pillar'' of the Island's economy alongside tourism and international business.

She said: "We believe that electronic commerce and information technology can bring a new element to Bermuda.

"It can provide new revenue for our Island and new opportunity for our people.

"It is the new age and it is a change which we must understand and prosper from.'' The document added: "Electronic commerce and information technology -- especially in the fields of finance, insurance, tourism, telecommunications and retail business -- suit Bermuda and Bermudians perfectly.'' But it said: "We recognise the fundamental importance of education and training and will ensure that the training and re-training required to realise the potential of all individuals to participate in this new industry are available through our partnerships.'' And the document added: "The third pillar's primary asset is the brainpower and creativity of Bermuda's youth. When combined with the United Bermuda Party Government's proven track record and achievements in this area, it's a winning combination.'' And Ms Gordon threw down the gauntlet to the Opposition Progressive Labour Party -- and encouraged voters to review the plan.

She said: "We invite comparison if the Opposition ever produce a real plan.

We invite comment and feedback.'' The Keys to Partnership also promised that the UBP, if re-elected, would crack down on crime by buying two mobile Police stations to target crime hotspots.

It added that community policing would be boosted by further civilianisation to release officers for beat duty and greater use of the volunteer Reserve force.

And -- as revealed in The Royal Gazette yesterday -- Government will look at ways to introduce a three-judge panel to replace juries for some types of crime.

It is understood that -- as a political initiative -- Government had to seek outside legal opinion, rather than consulting the Attorney General's Chambers.

And some legal experts suggest juryless trials could be introduced without changing the Constitution -- contrary to AG Elliott Mottley's insistence in a TV interview that the Constitution guarantees trial by jury. And the Consititution could be changed to accommodate new legal practices.

Lawyer and Legislative Affairs Minister John Barritt said the message from the public was that they were concerned about combating crime effectively.

He said: "We're committed to examining trial by judges alone because people feel strongly about it. We want to leave no stone unturned in examining all the options to come to grips with crime.'' Mr. Barritt added: "We appreciate there may be Constitutional implications, but that won't deter us from making an evaluation and a determination of what needs to be done if this is the direction we're going to go in.'' The document also said legislation would be introduced to impose mandatory drug testing in prisons and to increase punishments for people supplying convicts with drugs.

New equipment -- similar to the hi-tech drugs `sniffers' bought by H.M.

Customs -- will also be used behind bars.

And new programmes to help drug users beat the habit -- including childcare for parents enrolled in addiction treatment -- as well as alternative sentencing for young, first-time and non-violent offenders will also be brought in.

The elderly would also benefit from a special intervention team to focus on their health and well-being, while free prescription drugs and spectacles would be introduced.

And a new Director of Seniors Programmes and Services to draw together issues affecting the elderly would be created.

Health also came under the spotlight, with new disease management programmes for asthma, diabetes and heart disease -- emphasising education, preventative care, bringing reduced hospital admissions.

And the environment also rates a mention, with plans to declare the Railway Trail "a national treasure'', restore run-down parts and connect it to the network of parks around the Island. Business will also be invited to "adopt'' sections of the end-to-end walkway.

And Government also said it would get things moving in sea transport -- by extending protective `arms' outside the narrow Town Cut in St. George's to cut down on visits lost due to bad weather.

The 36-page Keys to Partnership is included in today's Royal Gazette and will be posted to every home on the Island.

Ms Gordon said that Finance Minister Grant Gibbons -- currently at the Commonwealth Finance Ministers' meeting in Canada -- had reviewed the plan.

She added: "He has stated it is both financially responsible and affordable.

It is -- but only in the safe, trusted and sure hands of the United Bermuda Party.

Ms Gordon said: "The Keys to Partnership is a plan about Bermudians. It's a plan for opportunity and inclusion...It will now be up to the people of Bermuda to determine whether this plan becomes a reality.'' UBP unveils new strategy And a new Director of Seniors Programmes and Services to draw together issues affecting the elderly would be created.

Health also came under the spotlight, with new disease management programmes for asthma, diabetes and heart disease -- emphasising education, preventative care, bringing reduced hospital admissions.

And the environment also rates a mention, with plans to declare the Railway Trail "a national treasure'', restore run-down parts and connect it to the network of parks around the Island. Business will also be invited to "adopt'' sections of the end-to-end walkway.

And Government also said it would get things moving in sea transport -- by extending protective `arms' outside the narrow Town Cut in St. George's to cut down on visits lost due to bad weather.

The 36-page Keys to Partnership is included in today's Royal Gazette and will be posted to every home on the Island.

Ms Gordon said that Finance Minister Grant Gibbons -- currently at the Commonwealth Finance Ministers' meeting in Canada -- had reviewed the plan.

She added: "He has stated it is both financially responsible and affordable.

It is -- but only in the safe, trusted and sure hands of the United Bermuda Party.

Ms Gordon said: "The Keys to Partnership is a plan about Bermudians. It's a plan for opportunity and inclusion...It will now be up to the people of Bermuda to determine whether this plan becomes a reality.''