Education reform, a crackdown on crime, scrutiny of protectionist immigration policies and candid discussions on race — those are the Christmas wishes of the Chamber of Commerce.

President Philip Barnett said Bermuda must increase the value of its "human capital" in order to remain a leader rather than a follower in international business.

He made his comments during a speech to members where he told them that business had and always would drive innovation, adding that if an opportunity existed to earn money then it should and would be exploited.

"Innovation was what allowed Bermuda to create a system of tourism that became not just the envy of the world, but the template for other destinations around the world to copy.

"However, not only did those jurisdictions copy it, but they innovated and exploited. Bermuda, to all intents and purpose, continued doing the same old, same old.

"Fast forward to the present: Bermuda is looking to other jurisdictions to steal tourism ideas from, fractional ownership being a perfect example. Will we be successful? Time will only tell.

"But we certainly find ourselves now playing the role of follower rather than leader. Turn the page to our main pillar of the economy, International Business, and yet again, we are the envy of the world. The question is, will we make the same mistakes?"

He added: "Educational reform is critical to empower Bermudians — developing them to achieve the highest level of competitiveness, not just in a Bermuda village, but in a global village."

And in an apparent reference to the six-year work permit term limit policy which kicked in this year, he added: "What also needs to be boldly highlighted in regards to the development and support of our human capital is that the success of Bermuda Inc. will only continue when we truly realise that, just like companies have been battling for years to attract and retain the best people, so are countries in this rapidly globalising world.

"We therefore need to carefully scrutinise potentially over protectionist immigration policies that may drive knowledge workers and the companies that employ them to other more accepting jurisdictions. No country can have world class workers if it artificially protects them from world class competition."

Mr. Barnett highlighted concern over what he described as a "seeming increase" in criminal and antisocial behaviour.

"Bermuda has one of — if not the world's highest — per capita ratio of police to population.

"Yet our tiny island of 65,000 people currently has unsolved murders, ever increasing frequencies of break ins, thefts and public violence, as well as general disdain and purposeful ignorance of many of the current laws of Bermuda. This is not good for business.

"If the Bermuda Police Service is under funded, fund it. If it is understaffed, staff it. And if it is struggling to find its way, either better develop its leaders or find new ones," he said.

"We too, in the business community, have a role to play in a safer and more ordered Bermuda, as the scourge of drugs is in many cases what drives much of the criminal behaviour in this country.

"Therefore in all our workplaces, clubs or social circles, be un-accepting of drug use through strong workplace policies or hard advice from a good friend. As business people, we all know the law of supply and demand. Let's help get rid of the demand."

He also called for more straight talking on one of Bermuda's thorniest topics.

"Business and Government need to add more candour to their discussions, particularly when it comes to race, and all involved need to be prepared to participate in a frank, straightforward and honest manner. The chamber accepts its role as being the "voice of business in Bermuda", and encourages all businesses to also have candour, particularly in the arena of race relations.

"We challenge our fellow Bermudians that this straightforwardness and candour be accepted without hostility and accusations, recriminations or threats, because more candour gets more people participating in the conversation. More people involved means better understanding. Understanding leads to collaboration, and collaboration always leads to success," concluded Mr. Barnett.