Before Bermuda joins Caricom, the Island should look at alternative organisations such as the Association of Caribbean States or the Organisation of American States, according to one overseas journalist and commentator.

Ahmed ElAmin, formerly with The Royal Gazette and now editor of OffshoreOn.com, which publishes Law Offshore and Biz Offshore monthly newsletters, made the suggestions in Offbeat, his regular column in Bottom Line magazine.

Mr. ElAmin argues Caricom has not achieved the aims set when it was formed in 1973, which included the promotion of economic cooperation through a Caribbean single market and economy, the coordination of foreign policy, and to establish common services and cooperation in functional matters such as health, education and culture, communications and industrial relations.

He reports that advancement on these goals has been 'spotty' at best, or has 'languished'. He notes leaders could not act as a unified force to negotiate a way out of the deadlock with OECD's attack on tax havens. Mr. ElAmin adds that Bermuda has little in common with many of the member states.

This issue of Bottom Line will be going to New Orleans for the annual RIMS conference. Roger Crombie writes the cover story, which examines Lloyd's of London and its failure of the organisation to attract new business in the wake of September 11, while Bermuda has walked away with much of it. He also reports on the Cayman Islands and their role in the offshore world.

The Enron bankruptcy was followed by others with close local links. Magnus Henagulph writes about the impact of these major business collapses.

On the lighter side, Stephen Breen talks to three of Bermuda's top CEOs to find out what it is like to travel to dozens of cities in a matter of a few days, and discovers it's not as luxurious as it is often believed to be.

Bottom Line is available at locations throughout the island today.