briefing session in London to promote Bermuda as a leading offshore jurisdiction and to bring more business to the Island.

Ms Smith will be accompanied by Finance Minister Eugene Cox and Minister of Telecommunications and E-Commerce, Renee Webb, who will be moderating at a Bermuda International Business Association event, Bermuda: The Future of Offshore Today.

More than 130 industry moguls have signed up to come and hear what Bermuda has to offer to their companies during Monday's promotion, which is also expected to be covered by about 30 members of the international press.

The Bermuda delegation will consist of about 20 top ranking politicians and business people.

The Premier will open the day's events with a speech about doing business in Bermuda, and will be followed by three separate panels on reinsurance, e-commerce and finance.

"We are delighted to have such a high profile delegation from Bermuda,'' said Raymond Medeiros, Chairman of BIBA. "We are particularly delighted that the Premier will be joining us and giving the welcoming address.

Premier to attend conference The event is given even more credence and weight by both the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Telecommunications and E-Commerce being able to attend and take an integral part in the event.'' He added that these kind of sessions brought real businesses to Bermuda with business leaders incorporating businesses on the Island as well as gaining a better understanding of the way the Island works.

He said: "From events like these and this type of exposure we have seen real results in the past and hope the same will happen here.'' Mr. Medeiros gave the example of two businessmen, Robert Edwards and Terry Burton who had both been so impressed by briefings such as these they had opened businesses in Bermuda. And companies like these use service companies in Bermuda, further boosting the economy.

Mr. Medeiros will be the moderator of a discussion group on reinsurance in Bermuda which will include Charlie Collis, partner at Conyers Dill & Pearman, Robin Hamill, president of Allianz Risk Transfer Bermuda, Mike Hardy, chairman of the Bermuda Insurance Management Association and Warren Cabral, partner at Appleby Spurling and Kempe.

Ms Webb's e-commerce panel on "Why go offshore?'' includes Tim Marshall, Managing Partner at Marshall Aicardi, Leigh Estabrook, EVP, First Atlantic Commerce, Greg Wojciechowski, chief operating officer, Bermuda Stock Exchange and Robert Edwards, chairman and founder of Drawn & Quartered.com Ltd.

(London).

And Mr. Cox will moderate the talk on finance, which will include Greg Haycock, Partner at KPMG, Bermuda, Martin Lane, Managing Director, Conyers Dill & Pearman, London, Fergus Healy, Vice President, Bank of Bermuda and Johann Wong, founder of HegeWorld Ltd.

Jennifer Smith BUSINESS BUC