Olu Bademosi for some time thought young Bermudians needed a better grasp on what was happening in their Country.

So last August he did something about it -- he formed a group, National Interest Association.

Its aim? To thrash out issues which young people felt were important, and find ways of keeping them at the forefront of the public's mind.

Such ways could include holding meetings with guest speakers, using the media, distributing pamphlets, and lobbying.

Chairman Mr. Bademosi sees his group as a fact-gathering organisation, with the role of informing people.

The young Bank of Bermuda employee is at pains to highlight two key features of NIA.

"It is non-partisan and it is unbiased.'' He explains: "We feel having this formula allows us to be objective, and draw from the experience of the collective group.'' The multi-racial NIA began with 12 members, but the number has swelled to about 50.

There is a roughly 60-40 split between blacks and whites -- reflecting Bermuda's racial make-up.

And group vice chairman Mr. Troy Symonds is keen to point out there are as many women and men.

"Anyone who wants to join us has to be sponsored by a member. We also require that people be non-antagonistic and don't work to the detriment of our organisation.

"We don't want people to use our organisation for political purposes.'' Treasurer Mr. Wayne Dill adds, however: "We do welcome people from all social backgrounds.'' In a "mission statement'', NIA outlines the type of people it is looking for.

"The group can only benefit if it possesses a diverse range of varying talents and skills to draw from.

"This will help us to remain objective in what we do. The type of individuals needed are young people who are aware of current affairs and who are truly concerned about the state of Bermuda and the direction in which it is heading.

"It is important for this group to have a good fusion of both sexes and an ethnic balance.

"Through this mixture, the experiences of the collective group will be enhanced as each individual will be able to bring their own unique backgrounds to draw upon, enabling us to better understand the diverse range of issues.'' It adds: "This task force has to be well organised and professional in its conduct. Therefore, all individuals must possess good communication skills, be reliable, presentable, intelligent and able to articulate effectively.'' The statement also spells out the need for NIA.

"There is a growing awareness amongst Bermuda's residents of the lack of concern regarding prevalent issues affecting the various communities around the Island from a few elected officials.

"With the exception of the present political structure, historically speaking, Bermudians have never had an unbiased vehicle from which to voice their collective views whether they be social, political, economical or otherwise.'' Although young as a group, NIA has started life with a burst of energy.

One of the prickly issues it has tackled is Independence.

Already it has held workshops on the subject, and now plans a forum with international and local speakers.

The list of previous speakers at NIA meetings makes impressive reading.

They include Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, Opposition leader Mr. Frederick Wade, and Labour Relations Officer Mr. Edwin Wilson.

Among those pencilled in for future meetings are Governor Lord Waddington.

The latest issue the group is focusing on is education and retraining.

NIA Public Relations Officer Miss Kellie Hall said the group also held regular social functions.

The group meets every Wednesday at the Bank of Bermuda training department, between 5.30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

NIA stresses it is totally independent, and not linked to the bank or any other body.

SEEKING ANSWERS -- Members of the National Interest Association. Pictured (back row), from left, are Mr. Lee Simmons; Mr. Alvin Wilson, public relations officer Miss Kellie Hall; and Mr. Ian Brunson. (Front row), from left, are chairman Mr. Olu Bademosi; treasurer Mr. Wayne Dill; newsletter editor Mr.

Barrie King; and legal affairs officer Miss Julie McLean.