The Bermuda Public Services Union opened its first ever Triennial Delegates Conference themed: "Challenges of a Global Economy" at the Salvation Army Hamilton Citadel yesterday.

Premier Jennifer Smith was joined by opposition leader Dr. Grant Gibbons as well as Minister for Development and Opportunity Terry Lister, shadow minister of youth and sport Patricia Pamplin-Gordon as well as BPSU president Betty Christopher and BPSU general secretary Ed Ball Jr. to open the conference.

Chief operating officer of the Bank of Bermuda Mr. Philip Butterfield was the guest speaker who spoke about globalisation and told assembled union members that Bermuda could be highly successful globally as the Island has the talent and the ability. "We need to apply ourselves. Let's get to work," he said.

Unions participating in the two day conference included the Bermuda Industrial Union, the Bermuda Union of Teachers, the Bermuda Hospital Association, and industries represented included H.M. Customs, Post Office facilities, Police, Public Transport, civil servants, education, and the Bermuda Telephone Company.