leaders.

Sir John is heading a VIP group at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland next week.

The group plans to showcase the Island before Government, business, media and academic leaders from around the world.

A special guest this year is director of the Bermuda Biological Station, Dr.

Tony Knap.

He will be giving a speech on the Exxon Valdez disaster against the background of the oil spillage off Scotland.

Other members of Bermuda's 14-strong delegation to Davos will include Finance Minister the Hon. Dr. David Saul, and top businessmen.

They will leave on Tuesday for the annual forum, which kicks off two days later.

Some 120 countries will be represented -- and the theme will be "Rallying all the forces for Global Recovery''.

The focus will also be on security and world politics, regional worries, economics and the environment, business and management, and science and technology.

Dr. Knap's February 2 lecture will be on "Global Environmental Update: Technologies for Solutions''.

He will talk on the Exxon Valdez disaster the following day.

Dr. Saul said: "Our attendance in the past has, without question, resulted in numerous benefits for Bermuda, both short-term and long-term.

"The current economic situation makes this year's conference extremely important for our group. We plan to aggressively showcase our business attributes to encourage interest in our services as a leading offshore centre.'' Dr. Saul added: "Dr. Knap's presentations will highlight the global significance and importance of research carried out at the Bio Station, and we hope this will demonstrate to those present that protection of the marine environment is important to the people of Bermuda.'' Dr. Saul said this year's "contact reception'' will be held on February 1 at the Steigenberger Belvedere Hotel in Davos.

Some 150 delegates -- mainly chief executive officers from major international companies -- will attend.

"This will be another opportunity for renewed efforts to present Bermuda as an important and sophisticated international location in which to conduct business.''