planning to fly the Bermuda flag at an international gathering of company heads.

More than 700 chief executive officers attend the annual World Economic Forum in Switzerland, making business alliances and swapping information.

A Bermuda delegation has been going for five years, hoping to boost international business and make the Island better known.

Flying to the town of Davos next week will be the Hon. Sir John Swan, the Hon.

David Saul, Bank of Bermuda president Mr. Donald Lines, bank president-to-be Mr. Charles Vaughan-Johnson, lawyer Mrs Lynda Milligan-Whyte, top businessman Mr. Kit Astwood, and head of the Chamber of Commerce international division Mr. Adolf Luttke.

"It's a promotional thing for Bermuda and its international business,'' said Dr. Saul.

"There are 700 CEOs there, and the opportunity over the last five years has been clearly demonstrated. We've brought business to Bermuda as well as profiled the Island as a business centre.'' The Bermudian team would be organising a reception for 150 people, he said.

Mr. Astwood said the forum would be discussing topics like the world economy, the welfare state, the Middle East, Russia and the corporate leadership qualities needed to cope with current changes.

"It's very helpful towards Bermuda's international business and developing Bermuda generally.

"Overseas contact ensures that you keep pace with ideas and technology that ensures Bermuda is a better place to live and work.'' The forum is from January 26 to February 1.

Anger over Cosby dinner "It could've been held at one of our many outstanding church auditoriums where a delicious Bermuda meal could have been made for everyone,'' he said.

"Bill Cosby is a man for all people. He has spoken at churches and college campuses all over the US and there was no dinner.'' Mr. Edmead added he had heard many others complaining this week about the price of the tickets.

Last July, some youth and Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade spoke out against the cost of the Les Brown banquet at the Hamilton Princess, which was put on by Mind Body and Soul Productions.

And Youth Minister the Hon. Pam Gordon began a bid to bring him back at Government's expense so people could hear his speeches free.

"He was really preaching to the converted,'' she said at the time. "(I want him) to reach the people really in need.'' Mr. Edward Hashim complained the dinner was for "the rich and already powerful''. It should have been held at a community sports club, he said.

And Mr. Wade said he would have liked to see Brown's message made available to a wider audience.

"Mr. Brown's positive and powerful message would have been better if it could have reached our youth, especially our young black males,'' he said.

Some 200 people attended the $195 a plate banquet. Brown, who organisers said cost more than $60,000 to bring in, conducted a workshop the next day.