attitudes in Bermuda -- and keep pace with the world.

The Hon. Sir John Swan said the Bermuda Quality Awareness Team had a powerful message for local businessmen.

And he urged the business community to support the drive for improved quality in the workplace.

"I believe Bermuda will benefit immensely from it,'' he told a press conference at A.F. Smith Trading Company in Hamilton.

It was vital for the Island to take the same "quantum leap'' in performance as Japan, and improve its competitiveness.

"We are now ready to take that quantum leap,'' he stated.

The team will use seminars, forums, presentations, and information bulletins to ram home its message.

It is appealing for people to join the team by filling in a membership form, and paying annual dues.

Sir John was yesterday made the first honourary member of the 11-strong awareness team.

He was presented with a membership card, and special certificate.

Team members present at the ceremony were chairman Ms Patti Daly, A.F. Smith Trading Company; Mr. David Kneisler, Bank of Bermuda; Ms Carolyn Mello, Bermuda Chamber of Commerce; Mr. David Escott, Cable & Wirless; and Ms Helen Wilson, Heddington Insurance.

Sir John spoke of his pride at being an honorary member, urging other people to follow suit.

"It is my hope that the majority of businesses in Bermuda will embrace the quality principles within their own organisations and become part of the quality team effort in Bermuda.'' Ms Daly said the group was hoping for representation from different industries, including tourism.

Among upcoming events planned by the group are seminars, teamwork sharing days, and visits to overseas companies sharing the same aims.

An adult continuing education course on "managing with quality'' will be held at Bermuda College, January-March 1993.