Bermuda appears to have come through recent financial reviews unscathed, Premier Jennifer Smith and Finance Minister Eugene Cox said at RIMS yesterday.

Ms Smith and Mr. Cox, speaking to The Royal Gazette , said Bermuda's Government-private sector presence at the massive insurance conference underlined the Island's continued success.

Mr. Cox said: "Companies continue to come to Bermuda, while other bodies are looking at us and trying to make us go in another direction.

Bermuda companies `not seeking massive tax breaks' "These companies that come are looking for creativity, infrastructure, telecommunications and other advantages. They are not looking for massive tax breaks.

"We have an industry that is growing and we are trying to cultivate it,'' he said. "Financial services is there to secure Bermuda forever because that is the way the whole world is moving, cross border business. We are moving forward in the way the world is likely to go.

"In their evaluation of Bermuda Standard & Poors said they saw that for the past 30 years Bermuda has become a centre of creativity and innovation and the industry has evolved into one of the foremost in the world. If we continue to keep in line with progress this will be so for a long time.'' Ms Smith said the conference was well worth the effort made by Government and the private sector.

"We must constantly be aware of what is going on in the industry,'' she said.

"And as to whether Bermuda should be here -- isn't it right that Bermuda as the premier jurisdiction for insurance should be at the premier insurance conference? It is a question of being on top of your game.

"The Government presence here in Atlanta underlines the partnership with industry that has been so successful for Bermuda.'' Mr. Cox added: "If we didn't come to RIMS we would miss out.'' Premier Smith said the Island's presence in Atlanta extended beyond insurance.

"We are using the opportunity for tourism as well.'' she said. "Bermuda has a tourism office in Atlanta so we make use of the conference opportunity.

"This year we are also spreading the word about e-commerce in Bermuda. We continue to update our legislation, such as with e-commerce. Government itself must be able to respond to industry changes as well as business.'' Jennifer Smith BUSINESS BUC