Premier's mind. Business writer David Fox reports Premier Pamela Gordon yesterday sent a clear message of support to the international business sector, declaring that its successful partnership with Government was vital to Bermuda's future economic viability.

But she also emphasised that she expected business and Government to work together to ensure that Bermudians were being trained for the required jobs of the future.

She was speaking during an awards luncheon for Bermuda insurance students, hosted by the Bermuda Insurance Institute (BII) at the Princess Hotel.

The Premier warned, "We cannot afford to educate our people for careers necessary to Bermuda's economy in an atmosphere of isolation.

"Neither Government schools nor private schools can educate our young people in isolation. The banking industry cannot train in isolation. The tourism industry cannot train in isolation.

"The insurance industry has shown that it cannot offer training in isolation.

All institutions must share the training responsibility and work together to ensure that the educational objectives of one, complement the educational objectives of the other.'' She believes that a more successful partnership in the community can be achieved: "By communicating more with each other; by supporting our educational institutions, and I mean, both the public schools and the private schools. Many companies are already active with our schools through programmes such as Young Enterprise; by providing sensitivity training for persons within the industry, and for those persons entering the industry to help promote respect for Bermudian traditions and way of life; (and) by making a commitment to continued investment in Bermuda's valuable human capital.

Premier Gordon said, "Last year, more than 2,400 people were employed by the international business companies. There is room for many more. With dedication, commitment and perseverance, the international company sector will continue to grow and there will be room for more Bermudians in many different areas of the available industries.

"I would encourage those students who are newly certified to take the time to tell young Bermudians about the opportunities available to them in this industry.'' The Premier was upbeat about the future of the Island's international business industry, after being encouraged by how well a BIBA (Bermuda International Business Association) delegation was received in New York and Chicago during the recent briefing tour.

But she said Bermuda would face significant challenges in the future in dealing with international business because of its rapid development. She commended the BII as having met a major challenge by offering training to people in the industry and visiting Island schools to expose students to insurance opportunities.

Her Government, she said, was committed to helping students understand the range of business and educational opportunities.

"At the secondary (school) level,'' she said, "we are promoting studies that help our students acquire an understanding of and an appreciation for the Bermuda economy.'' She said, "We must ensure that government's educational goals for our young people are compatible with the educational expectations of the business industries we attempt to encourage to our shores.'' The Premier told more than a score of insurance industry professionals who have been studying for industry certification that their achievements help them become more valuable to themselves, their companies and to Bermuda.

She said, "You are privileged to be young business people nearing the threshold of a new century, with all of the exciting challenges that this presents.

"At no other time in history have we seen as much development in technology as we have witnessed during the last ten years. The next ten years will, most likely, bring many more changes and challenges in the area of technology.'' Premier Gordon declared that there was no reason why Bermuda should not be on the forefront of providing access to accurate, reliable, timely business information by becoming an international electronic domicile, providing regular access to expert information in the insurance market. Standing before a number of industry executives, Ms Gordon told award winners they had a personal responsibility to uphold standards in their careers.

Premier Pamela Gordon CONFERENCE CON