The Premier launched a new campaign yesterday to combat money laundering.

Mr Burt, also the Minister of Finance, said the campaign would recruit the entire island in a bid to fight financial crime.

The campaign, called “Just Good Business”, will highlight efforts to ensure Bermuda meets the highest anti-money-laundering standards.

Mr Burt said: “It really is all about our ability to continue to be a robust and credible jurisdiction in which to do good business.

“This means having a strong framework to combat money laundering and terrorist financing and ensuring that we enforce the rules.”

The campaign will also emphasise the importance of people and businesses submitting documents required to meet international standards.

The Premier said: “We all don’t like filling in forms, but it is essential that we do it.”

The campaign is also designed to make sure organisations understand their obligation to report suspicious activity.

Mr Burt added: “We all need to do our part to draw attention to this behaviour.”

The campaign is funded by the Government and the private sector and will continue for rest of the year.

A campaign website, goodbusiness.bm, has launched and an advertising campaign is also planned.

The island will be reviewed by the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce this year.

Mr Burt said: “Bermuda is focused on strengthening its effectiveness in combating money laundering because it is vital for maintaining our sterling financial reputation.

“In order to keep that reputation, we must be in compliance.”

Mr Burt was joined by representatives of a range of groups, including the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee, Bermuda Monetary Authority and Bermuda Business Development Agency. Cheryl-Ann Lister, chairwoman of the NAMLC, said: “A major part of Bermuda’s success as an international financial centre can be attributed to the strong commitment at all levels in the public and private sectors to ensuring our jurisdiction’s quality reputation is protected.”

Meanwhile Ross Webber, BDA chief executive, said: “Bermuda has long been a centre of excellence for compliance and transparency — a positive differentiator.

“We will continue to work collaboratively to maintain that world-class reputation.”

To file a confidential suspicious activity report, contact the Financial Intelligence Agency at 292-3422.