The deadline for entrants in Bermuda's first website awards competition, the WebSAwards, has recently passed and organisers are encouraged by the large number of applicants.

A total of 167 entries have been received for approximately 20 categories and many entries have been submitted for more than one category.

Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb said: "This significant number of applicants, which has certainly exceeded our expectation, is testimony to the strong online presence of Bermuda companies and residents and their interest in e-business.

"My Ministry is working diligently to enhance Bermuda1s already solid reputation as a key jurisdiction for e-business commerce and service delivery in this arena.

"This awards competition will help to strengthen this mission. I look forward to the results."

The next stage in the competition is the People's Choice award voting, which will take place from late November.

All short-listed websites will be posted at the web-s-awards.com website and the public will be encouraged to vote online, through a secure mechanism provided by Quo Vadis.

The awards, including the Minister1s Award for Overall Excellence and the People's Choice Award, will be handed out at the awards ceremony set for January 25, 2002.