US Consul General Gregory Slayton and Bank of Bermuda CEO Phillip Butterfield have met with a dozen of Bermuda's top business leaders to discuss reforms in the Island's public education system.

In addition to the business leaders, Premier Ewart Brown, the Minister of Education Randolph Horton and Dr. Henry Johnson, the recently named Consultant Executive Officer for Education tasked with implementing the Hopkins education reform report, were also present.

According to a press release from the US Consul General the "lengthy lunch-time discussion was viewed positively by all participants as an opportunity to talk openly and frankly about the challenges and the opportunities that face Bermuda's public and private schools".

The press release added that an overview of the reform effort, its goals and challenges, was offered by the Premier, the Minister, Mr. Butterfield and Dr. Johnson which was followed by questions from the business leaders — as well as ideas and suggestions on how to move primary and secondary education forward in Bermuda.

The meeting was convened by Mr. Slayton and Mr. Butterfield, who is Chairman of the Interim Education Board and was conceived during an education-centred brainstorming session between the two men.

Both businessmen said they saw an opportunity for corporate Bermuda to provide input to the education reform process.

"As leaders of international businesses that are constantly looking to employ qualified Bermudians, each of the business leaders offered strong support for the reform efforts," said the release.

Mr. Slayton said of the meeting: "There is nothing more important to a nation's future than getting its primary and secondary educational system right.

"I commend the Premier, the Minister, Chairman Butterfield and Dr. Johnson and all those involved in the reform effort for their good work on behalf of Bermuda's young people.

"Education must be a top priority of any country in the 21st century, and it is heartening to see these efforts moving forward."

The business leaders represented international companies including ACE, AWAC, Hiscox, AON, Aspen Re, AIG, IPC Re, Willis (Bermuda) Ltd., KPMG, Butterfield Bank and Flagstone Re.