A new fundraising group has a target of $15 million to tackle “critical” upgrades to Bermuda College, the head of the organisation said yesterday. Mark Berry, the chairman of the Bermuda College Foundation, said there was a “significant list of needs” to be tackled at the college. He added: “It’s going to require significant funding to match those needs.“Because of their significance, it is not going to be a quick fix. It is going to take time and a lot of effort.” Mr Berry warned: “We have no more time to wait. The time now is critical.” Mr Berry said that the college, now in its 45th year, had the potential to “be what it can be”. But he added: “It needs our help.” Mr Berry said the Government had been a “significant contributor” to the college over the years, but that the “needs have outpaced the revenue stream”. He added: “Significant modernisation, upgrading and overall improvements are required to take the college to where we have as our vision — a fully funded, state-of-the art Bermuda College.”Mr Berry said that specific needs identified for immediate attention by the foundation included “modernisation and upgrades” to 52 classrooms and labs, and upgrades to IT infrastructure and classroom equipment. Mr Berry added that general upgrades to the school were also needed. He said: “There’s windows that need to be replaced, wiring, plumbing, ceiling tiles. “It’s at the point where, really, it’s a time for action.” Mr Berry, the managing director and head of speciality reinsurance at Axa, studied accountancy at Bermuda College in 1979 and 1980. He took a summer job with an insurance company after his course. Mr Berry said: “I got into their accounting department because of my two years at Bermuda College.” He said that Ralph Richardson, a consultant for Bermuda College, had contacted him to take part in the foundation. Mr Berry said that he had accepted the post despite a busy schedule. He explained: “I get a real high. You feel really, really good.“It is a meaty project, but it’s worth it. This is a good one.” Mr Berry said the other members of the foundation’s board of directors were “fabulous”. He highlighted the “tireless” work of Garry Madeiros, the deputy chairman. Mr Berry said that the foundation was accountable to its donors. He said: “We will hold the college accountable for delivering. We are advocates for our donors.” Duranda Greene, the president of Bermuda College, floated the idea of a foundation in 2011.The group, established as a separate entity from the college, has the sole task of raising funds on the college’s behalf.Mr Berry said that the “soft launch” of the foundation earlier this year had gone well. He added: “We’ve got a very, very good start. “It’s humbling when people commit meaningfully. We are very excited.”