With a membership that has faced economic battering on many fronts in recent years, the Chamber of Commerce is expecting clear leadership from government in the Budget being presented to Parliament today.

Finance Minister Grant Gibbons yesterday declined, as expected, to comment in depth on the content of his Budget statement.

But if leadership is the issue, Dr. Gibbons would only say, "I would hope that you would see a very clear direction outlined in the Budget statement.'' Chamber president David Rowntree pointed out that Bermuda business was a community waiting to help in charting a new direction. He said business leaders were awaiting a constructive plan from government that business houses can help implement, and they were standing ready to do their part.

He said, "The Minister of Finance is cognizant of the fact that at this juncture, any taxation increases aimed at the business community would be somewhat detrimental to any plan to revive the economy when it comes to retailing. I think he is very sensitive to that.'' Mr. Rowntree said he was not looking for an election year Budget, but a progressive one that addresses the segments of the economy that are hurting.

He noted, "I'm looking for leadership, for sensitivity and a government that is going to take the initiative. The business community will give support to the long term plans that are going to make us more competitive internationally, in terms of international business and tourism.'' Mr. Rowntree does not believe the doomsayers who argue that Bermuda's competitive days in tourism and retail are finished.

He concedes though, "For a good number of years Bermuda was healthy in tourism, despite ourselves. The rest of the world woke up to the benefits of tourism and suddenly there is a lot of competition.

"In the US alone, each state is advertising itself as a tourism destination.

They are seizing the opportunities, are progressive in their planning and are attracting a lot of international investment.

"We've seen a downturn for the last ten or more years in our tourism business and we are finally realising that something must be done.

"Our creative juices are beginning to flow. We're working toward turning the whole thing around.

"This is where it will be essential that partnerships are forged, between employers and unions, government and private sector and on and on and on. If we are to sustain a high standard of living, everyone will have to make a contribution.'' Mr. Rowntree believes that Bermudians can do a better job of providing a first class tourism experience for visitors.

He said, "There is a misnomer that Bermuda is expensive. Compared to who? You can go other places that are far more expensive. But people still go there because they get the service and a great attitude from the people. Bermudians have to get back aboard the ship of tourism.

"It will be the only product that will make us survive. International companies only come here because of the infrastructure, the air links and the services that are provided. If tourism fails and those things disappear, our international companies will disappear just as fast.

"It is imperative that government takes the initiative and comes out with a progressive, long-term planning, forward thinking scheme. They have to be willing to work with the private sector. And I have my fingers crossed that we will get long term, solid planning.'' LOOKING FOR LEADER SHIP -- Chamber of Commerce president David Rowntree.