A retired corporate lawyer is calling on Government to implement a unique and "innovative" scholarship programme based on incentives, as part of a radical proposal to change Bermuda's education system.

According to Bermuda resident Kevin Comeau, the programme would see Government working with the business community to grant a scholarship to every Bermudian child, starting in Primary school right through Senior school.

The scheme would see every child who successfully completes their homework more than 90 percent of the time over the course of a school year, receiving $500. Additionally, children would receive $250 if they attain a B average or an extra $500 if they attain an overall A average, said Mr. Comeau, 47, drawing on his experience as a former securities lawyer to problem solve.

Speaking yesterday at the Hamilton Rotary Club, he said: "The money would be held in trust and only vested if the child graduates from high school.

"And the proceeds would only be paid directly to a post-secondary institution (including trade schools) to pay for the child's tuition and other education-related expenses.

"Until vesting and payout, the money held in trust would be invested in the shares of public companies and Government securities."

Problem solving is nothing new to Mr. Comeau, a Canadian who has resided in Bermuda since 1989.

"I'm fiscally conservative and socially liberal — I believe in the capitalist system — with incentives," he said. "I think it's important to have incentives for workers, I think it's important to have them for parents, children and for athletes, I think it's very important.

"Think of great athletes, think of Tiger Woods; he didn't get where he is just because he has great natural ability, he got there through drive and determination. That was instilled in him by his father."

He emphasised that his plan, which comes after extensive research of ideas via the Internet, is designed to meet fundamental needs of those most in need. "When I worked as a corporate securities lawyer, particularly with Orbis Investment Management, also when I did acquisitions for different companies, I realised what you need to do to make a deal work is to come up with innovative solutions.

"I said OK, what are the fundamental needs for the children, teachers and what are the things that motivate children the most because I believe in motivation.

"I started researching this on the web before coming across an article by Laura Rawlins who is the evaluator for the World Bank of Innovation Education Ideas — I e-mailed her a year ago, she said 'that's terrific' and she sent me links to websites giving me a host of ideas."

A desire to revamp education in Bermuda is not the only issue Mr. Comeau believes he has answers to — he also zeroed in on Government's much debated work permit term limit policy. For more than a year Government and the private sector have been deadlocked in negotiations on a satisfactory amendment to the policy so that Government can control the number of long-term residents.

This, while local and international companies seek to control which employees stay and go. Mr. Comeau added: "Ecologically, this country, as one of the most densely-populated countries in the world, must control the number of persons living here.

"Politically, the PLP cannot afford to let the number of long-term residents grow because most of these residents are white and relatively wealthy, which, based on past trends, suggests they are unlikely to vote PLP if they ever get the vote (whether as a result of Independence of the UBP regaining power).

"These two fundamental needs of the present Government — one ecological, the other political — are never, ever, going away. So what is the answer?

"Government should replace the term limit/key employee policy with one that simply substantially increases the fee for work permits for persons who have been resident in Bermuda for more than six years — from $616 (presently) to $4,000."

Mr. Comeau is urging members of the public who agree with his scheme to contact their MP, the Minister of Education and other relevant community leaders. Additionally, you can email him at kevincomeau@northrock.bm.