Premier Ewart Brown yesterday revealed how Government will attempt to push young people into volunteering programmes to keep them out of trouble.

The national service plan is designed for men and women aged between 24 and 30. Participants in the voluntary programme must complete 16 hours service a month for two years, with possible incentives such as better loan rates and reduced TCD fees.

Dr. Brown, who announced the idea in the Throne Speech last November, fleshed out the full details in the House of Assembly yesterday before calling for people to submit their views on it.

He said in a Ministerial Statement: "The recent acts of senseless violence that have rocked Bermuda, together with the release of the Mincy Report highlighting the plight of our young men, have clearly underscored the need for mentoring and other creative strategies to restore Bermuda's harmony and peace.

"The Government has developed one such creative solution with the proposal for a national service programme.

"This programme is designed to engage our young Bermudian men and women in positive and meaningful activity.

"The national service programme will allow even more of our young adults to contribute to Bermuda's national interest, personally and professionally.

"By sharing their acquired knowledge and talents with other younger Bermudians and by assisting our venerable seniors, the participants in the national service programme will be contributing to the development of Bermuda as a whole.

"Additionally, it will enable younger Bermudians to make sound career choices and enhance those skills required to make them undeniable assets to a broad range of employers."

Brief details on the national service plan were revealed on Thursday night, with Dr. Brown stating yesterday morning that it will be voluntary.

All male and female Bermudians will be eligible for the national service programme until the age of 30 but they must make a commitment by the time they are 28.

The programme will not replace the Regiment. Bermudian men who are conscripted will be able to apply to transfer out of the Regiment and into the new programme after a year of service.

Those involved in the programme could find themselves eligible for a number of benefits including free public transportation, low interest bank loans, discounts at TCD on licensing fees, discount card packages from various retailers and public recognition once service is completed.

The Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing would be responsible for the programme, which would be headed by a director who would answer directly to the Permanent Secretary.

Dr. Brown said the public and private sector would be encouraged to allow young adults in the programme one hour a month during work time to complete their service.

And while the plan says all Bermudians would be eligible for national service it was unclear yesterday if those with a criminal history would be excluded.

The plan states: "Once registered for the national service, individuals must go through a qualifying screening process to ensure that the safety and best interest of all participants are protected. These measures would include but are not limited to: Police and court background checks; physical and mental health examinations."

If the programme is passed, young adults would be able to decide on which charity they want to work with or ask the national service programme to assign them one. Some of the areas the Premier hopes young people will focus on are:

¦ Tutoring core subjects in the education system or in an educational programme;

¦ Young adults in the health, legal or financial sector could provide professional advice about subjects such as money management, civil rights, and nutrition;

¦ Coaching youth or holding an office in sports programmes;

¦ Serving on private or Government boards that involve or relate to youth or seniors;

¦ Serving as a volunteer to youth or senior agencies/organisations;

¦ Working on project proposals from various organisations involving youth or seniors;

¦ Serving as a resource for the Department of National Service by assuming leadership responsibilities as delegated by staff.

Reacting yesterday, Bermuda Regiment Commanding Officer Brian Gonsalves said: "I look forward to the final result of Government's proposal and consultations with the public."

Governor Sir Richard Gozney said: "Like many in Bermuda I would like to see strong community service and a strong Bermuda Regiment and look forward to following the forthcoming national debate on the new proposals."

Anti-conscription campaigner Larry Marshall was less impressed, saying: "It's very hypocritical of the Premier to talk about introducing so-called national service which would be volunteerism, when it's got forced labour on its books.

"It's almost as if the Premier doesn't want to close down the last plantation."

The draft plan is available online at www.gov.bm and submissions can be sent by E-mail to nationalservice@gov.bm. before March 31.