Employment Task Force assigned to ensure the Island's work force is ready to meet the needs of the future.

The members include managers and professionals from some of the Island's leading business sectors, as well as the heads of its two largest trade unions. It is chaired by accountant Mr. David Lines.

The task force has been divided into 11 committees. Most cover sectors of the economy such as tourism, insurance, military bases and construction. But there is also a committee on the work place and a committee on human resources.

Yesterday, the National Liberal Party suggested one topic for the task force to address: The need for better data on employment and unemployment issues.

Sir John said the goal is to make sure the Bermuda work force -- which at present relies heavily on imported labour and expertise -- is ready and available to meet the likely economic needs in the future.

The task force is expected to review all sectors of the economy as they exist now, and then attempt to look forward and anticipate how they will appear in ten year's time.

It will then try to analyse what work force will be needed, and make recommendations on the best way of ensuring that individuals and the Country are prepared to make the most of future opportunities.

"The purpose of the task force is a vital one,'' Sir John said. "It will analyse what needs to be done to maximise the opportunities that will be presented to us.'' He said he hopes for an interim report by the end of the summer, and a final report by the end of the year.

Task Force Steering Committee: Chairman Mr. David Lines (partner, Cooper & Lines), Secretary Mr. Colin Blades (senior Management Services officer), Mr.

Eugene Blakeney (general secretary, Bermuda Public Services Association and PLP MP), Mr. Dennis Fagundo (managing director, D&J Construction), Mr. John Fuge (senior manager of operations, Cable & Wireless), Mr. Brian Hall (president, Johnson & Higgins, Bermuda), Dr. the Hon. Clarence James (surgeon, former Finance Minister), Mrs. Diana Kempe (lawyer, managing partner, Appleby, Spurling & Kempe), Mr. Keith Jensen (general manager, Royal Gazette Ltd.), Ms Carolyn Mello (executive vice president, Bermuda Chamber of Commerce), Mr.

Alfred Oughton (managing director, Bermuda Electric Light Co.), Lt. Col. Alan Rance (commanding officer, Bermuda Regiment), Mr. Kenneth Richardson (Cabinet Secretary), Mr. Ottiwell Simmons MP (president, Bermuda Industrial Union and PLP MP) and Mr. Dennis Tucker (vice president, Sonesta Beach Hotel, president, Hotel Employers of Bermuda).