There is no shame in the fact that the Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA) originated from the "yacht club crowd'', Hamilton Lions Club members were told yesterday.

And BIBA chairman Tom Davis added he was living proof that not just those born of privilege could participate in the success of international business.

He agreed with a recent speech by Butterfield's Bank chairman, Sir David Gibbons, in which the former Premier warned Bermudians needed to retrain and seek higher education if they were to participate in a changing job market.

Emphasising that education, not money, was the key to jobs in international business, he also agreed with Sir David that, "The educational and training standards needed to participate in this business are quite high. But not impossible.'' Mr. Davis referred to a recent BIBA attitudinal survey, which he said "showed that the current commitment level of Bermudians to international business is very low''.

He said, "Bermudians can appreciate that it is important to have a diversified economy, but they do not see how they benefit from international business either indirectly or, in a surprising number of incidents, by people who are directly employed in international business type jobs.

"And why should they? International business has developed so quickly that it is no surprise that Bermudians who are not directly involved in international business cannot see how it benefits their lives.'' He said BIBA would make it clear "to Bermudians how their current working activities, and perhaps even social activities, inter-relate on an indirect basis with international business. In other words, raising the level of awareness of the industry.'' BIBA has been advertising the need for Bermudians to be more aware of international business and how their families could benefit from educated participation.

He expressed dismay that Bermudians reportedly avoided a BIBA booth during Harbour Nights and had to be coaxed back to discuss BIBA and international business, eventually with some enthusiasm.

The association will have a similar booth at the Somerset Cricket Club during Cup Match.