A call from Premier Jennifer Smith for the teaching of international business to be expanded in Bermuda's schools has met with approval from the Opposition and local business leaders.

But they stressed that international business should not be taught in isolation from basic education about economics and related subjects.

Ms Smith said last week that it would be the Government's intention to ensure that Bermudian schoolchildren gained an understanding of what international business was, and what it did in Bermuda.

Shadow Minister for Education Tim Smith yesterday hailed the idea of expanding the provision of education on the subject of international business in Bermuda's secondary schools.

"It only makes sense when one considers the significant way in which international business impacts our lives,'' said Mr. Smith. "When it comes to intensifying the curriculum element on international business, I'm a strong proponent of making sure it's practical.'' Mr. Smith's feelings were echoed by Bermuda College economics lecturer Craig Simmons. "I support the idea that international business should be taught in our schools,'' said Mr. Simmons. "I don't know that it need be a new subject, or whether it should be taught within the context of business studies or economic studies.'' Mr. Simmons cautioned that international business should not be taught in isolation, but that its role in the greater context of the Bermudian economy should be explained to students as part of their education.

"Many don't see international business as our primary export; it's just seen as something that we do,'' said Mr. Simmons. "It's important that we teach international business not in isolation, but as part of what we teach on the economy, civics and social studies.'' Shadow Minister of Education Dr. Grant Gibbons said he would be "generally supportive'' of an extension of the teaching of international business in Bermuda's schools.

"I think it is important for Bermudians to understand how the Bermuda economy works,'' Dr. Gibbons said, pointing out that a dividend of learning about international business would be that young Bermudians would be more aware of job opportunities in the international business sector.

Brian Duppereault, the Bermudian chairman, president and chief executive officer of ACE Ltd., agreed with Dr. Gibbons. "It's certainly good for the Island to get as deep an understanding of international business as can be achieved,'' Mr. Duppereault said. "I would be in favour of anything that adds to the understanding of international business.'' David Ezekiel, chairman of the International Division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, also hailed the idea of expanding the teaching of international business in local schools.

"If it means giving people a good, broad-based understanding of how Bermuda's economy works, we would be very much in favour of it,'' Mr. Ezekiel said.

He pointed out that the proposed Bermuda Careers Centre, a joint effort of the Chamber and the Bermuda International Business Association, would further the access between business and the schools in Bermuda.

Grant Gibbons Tim Smith