Executive vice president of the school, Mr. Charles D. Edinger, this week addressed a group of about 20 professionals at the BII who expressed interest in pursuing a programme that could start as soon as late summer or early fall.

But the college is also involved in talks this week with the Bermuda College with a view toward an articulation agreement that would make the two colleges affiliated, and provide local students a chance to matriculate through NYCI.

"There are several programmes at the Bermuda College that are transfer-oriented. There are programmes such as management, hospitality management, finance, actuarial science and insurance that are immediately transferable,'' Mr. Edinger said.

Local residents would be able to start the programme here and eventually progress either through correspondence or attendance through the remaining years of the programme.

The MBA programme needs about 30 people enrolled and already the concept of a visiting weekend lecturer has been well received by potential course professors.

Mr. Edinger said, "The main concern right now is ensuring that we would have enough students registered for the courses. But it seems that the programme will go ahead as planned.

"We have to work with the people who have already identified themselves as interested. We will be offering four courses a year. But we must also spread the word so that more people are aware of the opportunity.'' The college of Insurance is also in discussions with the Insurance Institute of Canada with a view toward offering a similar programme in Toronto.