ensure that qualified Bermudians secure jobs.

But greater success will be achieved once there is better coordination between students, international companies and the schools so that scholarship recipients are equipped with the proper skills and the employer knows that they are available.

The ICD made these statements yesterday in response to an article in yesterday's edition of The Royal Gazette .

In that story, Opposition Sen. Terry Lister called on the Department of Education and the ICD to do more to help scholarship recipients who often found it hard to find work when they returned home with their university degrees.

An ICD spokesman said it was unfortunate that Sen. Lister had chosen to publicly criticise their organisation instead of raising his concerns with them in private.

"We were disappointed at Sen. Lister's remarks which came out of the blue because we had absolutely no warning,'' the spokesman said.

"We do acknowledge that there is a problem when graduates try to find work.

But this is not just in Bermuda. It's just as difficult in New York or London.

"We are still working hard to address it through the International Business Forum, the ICD and the Business Education Partnership.'' The spokesman said the ICD was holding a meeting on June 9 and education was one of the issues that will be discussed.

She stressed the solution to the problem rested in long term planning involving international companies, schools, parents and students.

The ICD has already talked with Ernest Payette, headmaster of the CedarBridge Academy, she said. "We need to let students know what international companies need in their work force so that they can prepare themselves with the correct courses and degrees.'' But there have been difficulties coordinating all the parties, the spokesman continued.

"The ICD encourages its donor companies to keep contact with the students they sponsor,'' she explained. "We have hosted lunches so that they can meet sponsors who keep their eye on the student and often offer summer employment.

"It's not just a matter of writing a cheque, but it is up to the students to keep the connection as well.'' Earlier this year, the ICD announced the launch of its 1997 education awards programme.

The programme, in its 18th year, awards $10,000 scholarships spread over two years to students from Bermuda for their university education.

In 1996, 20 students benefited from over $200,000 -- the largest single year amount raised so far -- donated to the programme by international companies.

There are about 175 international companies in the Chamber.

Scholarship awards are based on academic ability and proven financial need.