A national task force needs to be set up in order to prepare Bermuda's youth for the future, former Premier Sir John Swan told Hamilton Rotarians yesterday.

Sir John made the call as he reflected on several talks he has had with youth in various locations across the Island.

"I've had a chance over the last three months to walk around the country to talk to young people to try and get a feel for how they feel," he said. "I wanted them to feel they had a contribution to make regardless of what they're doing."

While he said he visited areas such as St. Monica's Mission, Ord Road, and Court Street, Sir John said the main concern of the youth was their future in the Island.

According to him, many were questioning whether the elders of Bermuda were really looking out for them or looking out for things that immediately suited their own needs.

"It made me think that there are issues which need to be addressed and how are we going to fix it," he said. "And I know the fix was not going to be easy."

One way to help our youth, Sir John said, was for the Government, the Opposition and the business community to work together to set up a national programme which will help Bermuda's youth become better prepared for the work force.

"Let's forget about apportioning the blame. We need to make sure we have a collective view to do it.

"Let's bring our youth up to par so they can make it," he said.

While he said the confusion and dislocation happened all over the world, he implored that Bermuda not become a victim of the same fate.

"We need a national plan," Sir John said.

And he said he hoped that one day youth would be able to say: "'I had a chance to express my views and I want to make sure when it (a national plan) happens, I was a part of it."