to educate students on the various opportunities available in Bermuda's job market. A former student of Sandys Secondary School, Mr. Smith recently arranged for international investment banker Mr. Paul LePercq to speak at his Alma Mater. "Paul (LePercq) spoke to the graduating students at Sands about his life and career and how important it is to stay healthy and clean,'' said Mr. Smith, who also gave the students a pep talk about self esteem. Mr.

LePercq, who earned a business degree at Harvard, made reference to his travels and the importance of having a wide vocabulary. "Paul also stressed the importance of reading,'' said Mr. Smith, adding he too urges people to read. "Unfortunately many people look for escapes in drugs and alcohol. My escape is in reading,'' he said. Mr. LePercq asked each student what career path they wanted to pursue. He was very interested in what the students had to say. And the students were receptive to his speech. Mr. Smith said he plans to ask other successful people to address students at the Sandys Secondary School including owner of the Reefs Mr. David Dodwell and manager at Pink Beach Mr.

Toppy Cowen. Mr. Smith suggested that former students of other schools organise a similar venue. "People are more than willing to talk to students about business.'' Mr. Smith also said he wants to meet with Cultural and Community Affairs Minister Mr. Wayne Furbert, who can make people aware of the available resources in Bermuda. "There are so many small businesses and entrepreneurs on the Island who don't even know how to put a quote together.

They may be very good at what they do but they don't realise that in order to be successful, they must be crisp both administratively and production-wise.

"They don't realise there are people they can go to like the Chamber of Commerce for assistance in basic skills. "Anybody who wants assistance can call me,'' he said. He added that teaching is a very important job but emphasis should be laid on parents as well. "A lot of people attribute the social ills to the education system. But it's also up to parents to be responsible. And even if you don't have a strong family background, you can still succeed,'' he said. "I want to help young people because so many people helped me. And everybody is responsible to ensure the future of our kids. At the end of the day, it impacts all of us. "I will continue to educate people in the schools,'' he noted, adding that although he was mischievous in high school, he had a good role model. The then-principle of Sandys Secondary Mr.

Mansfield Brock's message to students was that "everyone has a chance to be a productive member of the community,'' said Mr. Smith. "There are a lot of role models out there,'' he added. "People just have to choose them carefully.'' PHOTO STUDENT MOTIVATORS -- Owner of Bermuda Coatings Company Mr.

Ramadhin Smith (left) and international investment banker Mr. Paul LePercq encourage Sandys Secondary students to stay healthy and sober.