People not property will be the focus of Bermuda National Trust activities this year when the Trust launches a drive to persuade more Bermudians to take an interest in their heritage.

Young people in particular will be targeted by Trust initiatives over the next few months with the aim of getting them involved in the preservation of Bermuda's treasures.

"Protecting property is of no value whatsoever for its own sake,'' said Trust president Mr. David L. White at the Trust's annual general meeting on Monday night. "We hold these possessions for Bermuda's people.'' The Trust, a multi million dollar organisation that owns 50 properties and 200 acres of open space, is celebrating its 25 years this year.

Mr. White reiterated the Trust's mission to preserve the Island's historical properties and buildings from the relentless drive of modern development. Not only, he said, were the Trust's activities vital to the tourism industry but more importantly they ensured the safeguarding of Bermuda's treasures for future generations.

But the message, he said, had to go out "loud and clear'' to Bermudians that the Trust wants them involved.

Meanwhile, the non-profit organisation had to find ways of keeping up with today's "white hot technology'' and holding its own in the cut-throat arena of fund raising.

During the meeting Mr. White gave a summary of the Trust's achievements over the past year. These included: the rehabilitation of Trust properties, Bridge House in St. George's last June and Reeve House expected to be completed this year; the upgrading of rentable Trust properties which has cut down on maintenance costs and pushed up rents; action against planning applications including the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, the Dolphin Quest development in Southampton and Catchment Hill; monitoring of the incinerator and garbage situation in Bermuda, coastal water pollution and developments at the military bases; planning permission to landscape the Waterville garden and; the opening of a branch store of the National Trust shop in St. George's to capitalise on the tourist trade.

An issue of concern, he said, was the continued problem of finding tenants for the Trust property, Springfield, presently in danger of deteriorating beyond repair and falling victim to vandals.

And while the Trust's $5 million capital campaign was close to a successful conclusion, Mr. White added that in fairness to donors, the Trust must use rents as far as possible to generate funds.

"Morally and financially we cannot afford to be in the cheap rental business,'' he said.

While Trustworthy, the National Trust shop generated $110,000 last year, the general picture was less rosy with Trust accounts $47,000 in the red.

Renovations and increased personnel were blamed for the losses.

National Trust treasurer Mr. Paul Hubbard admitted the organisation was behind budget this year but was trying hard to address the problem.

Highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the annual Trust awards.

Winner of the Palmetto Award, the Trust's top honour was Mr. Michael Woods for his 16 years as Military Cemeteries Committee chair.

Northlands School, Saltus Grammar, Sandys Secondary and Whitney Institute won certificates for their interest in the National Trust while Mr. Mike Faison of the Bermuda Institute was singled out for his significant contribution to the environment.

The Bermuda Biological Station and Cable & Wireless also won recognition for organising and supporting the JASON Project as did the Bank of Butterfield for its new Front Street building and Works & Engineering for its cruise ship terminal at Ordinance Island -- both deemed architectural designs sensitive to scale and traditional style.

Honoured individuals included Mr. Bruce Loran for the cedar trees he plants around the Island, Mr. Tommy Outerbridge for his cultivation of the bluebird population, Ms Elizabeth Ann Trott for teaching about local environment and architecture to her Northlands students and Mrs. Sybil Belboda for regularly cleaning up an area of Railway Trail near her home at Khyber Pass.

The present council members will remain in office this year.