mission for local talent.

Dr. David Johnston, 50, principal of McGill University, in Montreal, wants to increase the number of Bermudians at his academy.

Although 138 Bermudians have graduated from the university, there are only 12 on campus at the moment, with another 20 due to arrive this year. "I would be happier if that 12 were three or four dozen,'' said Dr. Johnston.

"There's been a long-time tradition of Bermudians coming to Montreal and vice-versa.'' Many of these Bermudian graduates have gone on to become lawyers (including former Government Senate leader Mr. Charles Collis), chartered accountants, doctors and dentists, he said.

The university had a "very strong'' international business programme in the faculty of management which would help prepare Bermudians to take on posts with exempted companies, added Dr. Johnston.

"It regards international business as its highest priority this decade.'' Dr.

Johnston, a graduate of Harvard, Cambridge and Queen's universities whose academic specialisation is in law, said he would be teaching international business himself when he returns to being a full-time professor.

He added that there were many similarities between Bermuda and Canada. "We both have very small societies with very large trading partners. We also both have very strong international outlooks and both need leadership that understands and is comfortable trading in a very competitive world and has the expertise to do that,'' he said.

"One of the many reasons why McGill regards its Bermudian consideration as an important one is that it helps to shape this outward looking culture and capacity to adapt in a competitive and changing world. It's a two-way street.'' Dr. Johnston headed a three-person delegation from the university who were in Bermuda for four days meeting former graduates and possible new recruits.

Other members of the party were Mr. Ray Satterthwaite, an officer of the undergraduate society, and Mrs. Mariella Johansen, the university's director of admissions.

During the visit, Dr. Johnston gave a speech on Canada's Prosperity Initiative to the Chartered Accountants of Bermuda at the Princess Hotel in Hamilton.