Experts could give evidence in court cases from abroad via video link, according to Bermuda's Director of Public Prosecutions.

Rory Field made the suggestion in his opening comments to legal experts from around the world who had gathered for a conference hosted by the Department of Public Prosecutions yesterday.

The two day event at Elbow Beach hotel aims to share information on topics including money laundering, forensics and the political independence of prosecutors.

Among the 85 delegates are Directors of Public Prosecutions from the Bahamas, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands and Trinidad and Tobago. Members of Bermuda's judiciary, Police and Customs services and Monetary Authority are also involved.

In his opening address, Mr. Field pointed out that since modern crime knows no boundaries, it is important to forge links with other jurisdictions.

Highlighting the logistical and financial problems posed by flying in overseas experts to testify in Bermuda court proceedings, he raised the idea that this could be done by video link in future.

In her opening address, Attorney General Kim Wilson also spoke of the importance of partnerships with other countries. It is, she said, unrealistic to expect a small island such as Bermuda to produce homegrown experts in all the complex areas of modern crime.

Sen. Wilson also highlighted the threats of terrorism, drug trafficking, online fraud and identity fraud on a regional, national and international level.

"Even we, in our little corner of the world, must think globally because we are all potential victims," she said, pointing out that such crime "can jump from New Delhi to New Orleans."

Discussions yesterday centred on proceeds of crime, money laundering, and the independence of prosecutors. The conference concludes today with sessions on the use of forensics including DNA, blood pattern analysis and the examination of "bugs, bones and botany".