Workers must prepare now and start equipping themselves for the challenge that lies ahead in the new Millennium, Opposition Leader Ms Jennifer Smith told Bermuda public workers.

Speaking at the 9th Biennial Delegates' Conference of the Bermuda Public Services Association, she said a high-skilled workforce was vital to the future prosperity of the Island and its people.

New technology such as computers and the Internet were the way forward, but there will also be a place for the traditional human face of business. Despite this, technology was only the tool in the hands of the people, she said.

"We know we must break out of the old comfortable ways of thinking. Success in the new Millennium relies upon being prepared. If you want to be part of this success you will have to equip yourselves with all of the tools available.'' Workers, particularly public sector workers, must also be given additional support and help during the 'march toward the Millennium'.

Ms Smith was keynote speaker at the two-day conference, which is themed `Aiming for Further Degrees of Success in the New Millennium'.

Ms Smith added that into the new century we would see a growing cooperation between Government, businesses, unions and non-governmental organisations.

"A cooperation forged by the common goal of achieving the right balance between the pursuit of profits and prosperity -- and the need to preserve and enhance the social fabric of the community.'' Within that need and dynamic environment there must be an educational plan to produce well-rounded students that will become the workforce of the 21st Century, she said.

"While we have failed, so far, to prepare all of our young people to meet the challenges of the future. I believe we can create an agenda which meets the need to offer education and job opportunity to all Bermudians.

"Success in the new Millennium can be summed up in six words - change, knowledge, education, training, flexibility and growth,concluded Ms Smith.

"Harness the talent, creativity, ingenuity and innovation in your membership with these six goals as the fundamental objective of the BPSA, and you will experience 'Further Degrees of Success in the New Millennium'.''