Former Premier, the Hon. Sir. John Swan, warned the present Government they must put the interests of young Bermudians first.

Sir John said the country must provide opportuntities for the generations that are leaving college with qualifications and those who return from studies overseas, looking for work.

Speaking at the Bermuda College Commencement ceremony, held for the first time at the Stonington Campus, he said to take Bermuda into the new millennium, it was vital that there were jobs for Bermudians.

"We have a growing population, who are educated and ambitious, who will need jobs and these jobs have to be found.

He added the need to find jobs for Bermudians did not mean that they no longer welcomed non-Bermudians to the island: "We must learn to share it.'' Sir John, who earlier had been made an honourary fellow of Bermuda College, said he would be working with the college and nudging the community to ensure there were opportunities that they deserved.

Other new honourary fellows, Mr. Francis Gosling and Ms Ruth Thomas, joined students recieving degrees and certificates from the arts and science, continuing and applied studies, and hotel and business administration.

College President George Cook said it was a milestone that they could hold the ceremony at Stonington and said the college looked forward to celebrating its 25st birthday next year.

He said he hoped they could mark that occasion by becoming the "University College of Bermuda''.

He added that developing a residential programe for students, establishing a business and management institute, an international diversity institute and a four year degree programme were also aims for 1999.

The graduate address was given by Miss Fawnette Armstrong, who gave thanks to the college staff and told graduates that there was a world of opportunity out there in Bermuda and beyond.

CLASS ACT -- Bermuda College graduates at yesterday's commencement exercise.