the international business world.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan paid the tribute in the House of Assembly yesterday.

Sixty-eight-year-old Mr. Reiss died in the early hours of Thursday morning at his Harrington Sound home.

Sir John said many people in Bermuda benefited from Mr. Reiss' great business skills.

In particular, Mr. Reiss excelled at insurance and reinsurance.

"It was his idea that Bermuda should create captive insurance,'' Sir John said.

Sir John pointed out Mr. Reiss formed International Risk management, which prospered under him.

"Bermuda owes a great debt of gratitude to Mr. Reiss.'' Sir John also said Mr. Reiss made regular contributions to charity.

He added Mr. Reiss -- who died after a long fight against illness -- had wanted to be at home when the end came.

Sir John asked for a letter of condolence to be sent to Mr. Reiss' family.

He described Mr. Reiss as a "true soldier in the pursuance of the affairs of Bermuda''.

"He made Bermuda a better place,'' said Sir John.

Shadow Education Minister Ms Jennifer Smith congratulated artist Mr. Robert Bassett on his one-man show, the National Gallery and board of trustees for the international exhibition on Africa, and Care Computer Services on its 10th birthday.

She also praised musician Mr. Leland Hicks for his Christmas album.

Community Affairs Minister the Hon. Wayne Furbert asked for congratulatory letters to be sent to Mr. Eugene Vickers, director of Warwick Community School, and Pastor Llewellyn Williams.

Shadow Health Minister Mr. Nelson Bascome applauded the prefect committee of St. George's Secondary School for its "role model'' session.

St. George's South MP Mr. Richard Spurling (UBP) expressed regret over the death of Mr. Orville Bascome's wife.

He also praised the fund-raising of the Bermuda National Trust.

Pembroke West MP Dr. David Dyer (UBP) congratulated Mr and Mrs. Carl Maybury on their 50th wedding anniversary.

Shadow Community Minister Mr. Jimmy Williams paid tribute to the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and associated himself with remarks about Mr. Bassett, and the National Trust.

Deputy Speaker Mr. Tim Smith (UBP) praised the principals of Berkeley Institute and the Bermuda Debating Society.

Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul also applauded the Debating Society.

On a sadder note, he expressed regret over the death of Mr. Vivian Powell's wife, Elizabeth.

He said the farming community would mourn the death.

Frederic Reiss.