The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce is eyeing everything from public service pay hikes to transit permits for new and existing foreign nationals as it heads into its 100th year.

Chamber president Peter Everson said that looking forward to the 100th year in a world where trade it conducted on a global basis, ?We are all aware that our businesses will be impacted in one way or another. It is of great credit to our predecessors that Bermuda have prospered through different centuries, different industries and different international political outlooks,? he said.

In his first president?s report, however, Mr. Everson focused more attention on Government than on the private sector. While the Chamber supports Government?s salary review for top levels of civil servants, he said Government should duplicate the rigorous analysis found in the private sector by factoring productivity efficiency and accountably into the process. Even a five percent increase in productivity could lead to 259 fewer jobs which ultimately could have positive consequences in reducing the number of worker permits and therefore housing and vehicles, he said.

Just as it gained a reputation for tourism and international insurance and reinsurance, ?Bermuda should aspire to be equally well renowned for being the best governed jurisdiction in the world,? he said adding that Chamber members are ready to participate with Government whenever called upon to do so.

Mr. Everson?s predecessor, Charles Gosling, will step down from the Chamber?s executive, a departure which executive vice president Diane P. Gordon notes comes exactly 100 years after Ambrose Gosling, became one of the first members of the Chamber.

?The circle which forms the centennial of the Chamber is complete with a Gosling at both ends of the spectrum,? she said.

Looking forward to the coming year, the Restaurant and Nightclub Division has a number of issues to tackle. It has requested a meeting with Governor Sir John Vereker in a bid to find a way to solve problems with transit permits for new and existing foreign nationals.

Chairman Philip Barnett said it has become increasingly difficult for staff from Third World countries to secure such visas throughout the US, Canada and the UK in order to travel to Bermuda. As a result, staff are delayed which can cause staff shortages for restaurant operators.

The cost of staff housing is another problem which the division thinks might be solved by housing staff in dormitory-style housing. While difficulties arise due to a not in my backyard syndrome and planning issues, Mr. Barnett notes that such housing would offer positives including the release of some one-bedroom apartments and fewer cars on the road.

The division has also taken a stand against the Road Safety Council?s bid to see bars become legally liable for intoxicated individuals driving home.

While it is in the best interests of everyone to ensure individuals who have had to much to drink have a safe way to get home, Mr. Barnett said, ?We cannot be required to policy the behaviour of adults who are the ONLY ones responsible for their own actions.?

The Business Technology Division of the Chamber has partnered with Government and Bermuda College in a bid to explore internships and apprenticeships to ensure students looking for employment in the sector have the qualifications as well as get the experience they need while furthering their education. It has also joined the World Information Technology and Services Alliance in a bid to keep an eye on industry issues that impact the world.

The Retail Sales Division also has an active schedule ahead as it looks forward to addressing the problem of diminishing retail and warehouse space in Bermuda. The division is also lobbying Government to discuss upfront payment of duty as well as duty anomalies and discrepancies in duty rates on similar items.

The division also aims to address the effect of large liquidations on the retail sales index. In the same light, they want to see the Department of Statistics incorporate statistics into the index to reflect the private importation of goods via courier companies.

?The large buy in this year from retailers reflects their concerns about the industry and its future. Although there has been growth, the apparel sector is in decline and one of the largest growths in December was a whopping 18.8 percent in overseas spending,? said co-chairs Kristi Grayson and Somers Cooper.

In recognition of its 100 years, the Chamber of Commerce will run a number of celebratory events ranging from a summer party to black tie event in the next 12 months culminating with the AGM in April 2007.