The Island's international businesses have backed David Ezekiel's concern over xenophobia.

They admit the Chamber of Commerce's International Companies Division chairman spoke for them when he said anti-expat sentiment could tip some companies over the edge in an uncertain economic climate.

But they deny a meeting next week has been planned in response to growing fears about a climate of xenophobia.

The International Companies Division of the Chamber of Commerce will meet next Thursday to discuss the Budget, changes to the payroll tax and the draft immigration policy, said Vice Chairman Harry Wilken.

But when asked about Mr. Ezekiel's speech, Mr. Wilken said: "There were not extreme views there. We talk about these things.'' And Chamber President Chris Dapena said: "From some people there's the feeling that expat workers are unwelcome -- but most people don't have this feeling -- quite the reverse.

"Clearly there are some people who are less than welcoming in their manner.'' She added: "There are things happening internationally now that threaten the viability of the offshore domiciles, pressures from the EC, the OECD and from the US.

"When you add to that the feeling of unwelcomeness it must make a tenuous situation a little bit more so. It's not the kind of thing we want to do.

"We want to do everything we can to bring stability back to this sector of the economy.'' "As Mr. Ezekiel said this is unfortunate for those people who are guests in Bermuda and who contribute to our economy. If you make guests unwelcome they won't be terribly happy but we are struggling to do what we can to help clear up the misunderstanding.

"Those in a more struggling sector are casting about for somebody to blame.

She said the contribution of international business meant little when expressed in terms of taxes and wages but people needed to remember the trickle down effects the international companies brought.