Government?s policy on term limits for non-Bermudian workers is not aimed at punishing expatriate employees but ensuring that Bermudians have opportunities to take part in a growing sector, according to Premier Alex Scott.

And he revealed in an interview with Bottom Line Magazine that companies will also be protected under the controversial policy.

?Never say never, but very rarely would it happen that a significant player ? whether owner, CEO or someone that the company relied on ? be asked and required to leave,? said Mr. Scott.

But Mr. Scott admitted in an interview with Lilla Zuill that some companies may be uncomfortable with the policy and might choose to leave the Island.

?Those who would feel uncomfortable with the policy, who would wish to push the envelope further than that, are probably those we would not necessarily wish to continue here, because if they do not understand that we operate Bermuda in the best interests of both the corporate community and Bermudians, they do not understand Bermuda and maybe they should look elsewhere.

?I make that observation at the same time that business continues to grow. For those who have left because of the policy, we are sorry that they found it unacceptable but we must open up what is an industry of growth to Bermudians.

?We must make sure that Bermudians are comfortable with how we are managing this important financial sector. If Bermudians become uncomfortable with it, they will make our partners uncomfortable being here in Bermuda.?

Mr. Scott said he was not aware of more than one or two companies that had ?trumpeted? their departure, and added: ?For every one that goes, two come.?

Mr. Scott also confirmed that, following political criticism from the US, he and Finance Minister Paula Cox will be promoting the Island as a reputable financial centre that guards its reputation closely. He revealed that former United Bermuda Party Premier Sir John Swan had been helping the Government through his extended network of contacts in Washington.

Bottom Line, available in today?s and on newsstands, also examines why US politicians are targeting Bermuda, looks at the hot insurance topics at next month?s RIMS conference in San Diego, and finds out what Bank of Bermuda shareholders are likely to do with their money after the finalisation of the Bank of Bermuda-HSBC Plc merger.