The focus of the Bermuda Scholars programme over the next three weeks will be an in-depth study of the human resource needs of the Bermuda insurance industry.

A total of 22 students are participating in the programme begun by the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies (BFIS) last year, which gives exceptional students the opportunity to earn six fully accredited hours studying the unique Bermuda insurance market.

The scholars will be researching the factors surrounding the manpower needs of the Bermuda insurance industry, to report on the feasibility of meeting those demands with Bermudian talent, and on what can be done to maximise opportunities for Bermudians.

The 14 scholars in the programme this year are studying insurance at colleges and universities in the US, Canada and the UK. They are from Bermuda, Bulgaria, Canada, Scotland, Singapore, Taiwan and the US.

Also involved in the courses are eight Bermuda-resident students, currently studying for the College of Insurance's MBA (Risk Management) programme taught at the Bermuda Insurance Institute, which they take while continuing to work.

The scholars will be taught by Dr. Charles Edinger and Dr. James Barrese of the College of Insurance who will also monitor the programme which consists of a week-long classroom course held at the Bermuda College entitled "Global Insurance and Risk Management'' and includes many guest speakers from within the industry.

This will be followed by the three-week group study project on "the human resource needs of the Bermuda insurance industry'', during which the scholars will be researching and interviewing many people from the industry and Government.

A formal presentation will be made to key industry and Government officials in Bermuda at the end of the project on July 17.

EXEL Ltd. yesterday sponsored a lunch for the `98 Scholars to meet Premier Pamela Gordon and Bermudian students currently holding BFIS scholarships and studying at the Bermuda College, The College of Insurance (New York) or the University of Hartford.