Island's schools and libraries.

In a ceremony at the Cabinet Office, XL Mid-Ocean Reinsurance Co. president Henry C.V. Keeling presented a copy of Bermuda Atlas and Gazetteer to Premier Pamela Gordon.

Mr. Keeling said it was the first of many for the Island's young people.

"It is a storehouse of intriguing facts about the history and heritage of Bermuda,'' he said. "With its colourful maps and illustrations, it is proving not only to be a best selling volume, but also one which parents report their children are finding easy to read.'' Also present was author G. Daniel Blagg who said he was pleased his book -- the product of six years of research -- would now be readily available to young people in their schools.

He said: "That so many librarians and teachers have approached me and asked me to donate a copy to their schools it was overwhelming.'' Mr. Blagg said he was thankful XL Mid-Ocean Re stepped in and helped spread the book around, adding "it pleases me a lot''.

Mr. Keeling said the gift of the books originated prior to the merger of XL and Mid-Ocean Re in August this year.

"We thought it was an appropriate way to celebrate the merger and our commitment to the community,'' he added.

In addition to the more than 30 public and private schools that will be getting a copy of the book, the Bermuda College, Archives, National Library including the youth department, also will get copies.

Lefroy House, Matilda Smith Williams Home, and Westmeath senior citizens homes will receive copies.

IT MAKES HOMEWORK EASIER -- Premier Pamela Gordon shows Sandys Secondary Middle School student Donald Burgess a copy of G. Daniel Blagg's Bermuda Atlas and Gazetteer. Eighty copies of the book have been donated by XL Mid-Ocean Reinsurance to more than 30 schools, libraries, and senior citizens homes.

EDUCATION ED