The Government's current tax-structure review would not see the rich robbed for the benefit of the poor, a business leader predicted yesterday.

And former chairman of the Insurance Advisory Committee Brian Hall said without doubt the Government knew Bermuda was too small for any income tax scheme to succeed here.

Mr. Hall made the comments on the state of the Bermuda market to the hundreds of insurance professionals attending the third annual International Captives Congress at the Sonesta Beach Resort yesterday.

He gave the Progressive Labour Party Government a glowing report card in their dealings with the international business and tourism sectors so far.

But recent immigration policy glitches over work permits and foreign-owned businesses went unmentioned.

Mr. Hall said the difference between the previous and present Government was their emphasis.

"The PLP have demonstrated a commitment to help those who find it difficult to help themselves. They want New Bermuda and its people to benefit universally from the success of our environment.

"And they want to achieve that not by robbing the rich in favour of the poor but by providing opportunities for people to learn how they may participate in the economy more than before.

"Though they want to see the burden of paying for the running of the country shared equally, that still does not mean that we foresee the introduction of an income tax regime.

"We are too small to administer such a scheme.'' He said it seemed the international business community in Bermuda could breathe easy after the government's "seamless transition from Conservative to Labour'' after the November 9 general election last year.

"It is clear that our new Government is committed to support the growth in our business and continues to rely upon advisory groups to perpetuate the managed growth of our infrastructure.

"Our Government, despite a change of identity, continues to focus on improving our country, not only for its people but for the many customers who seek to do business in the upper echelon of the international market.'' He said the former Government had commissioned a study of Bermuda's tax structure and the PLP had since endorsed the work, with recommendations due to be handed down this summer.

"Though we may see changes it is encouraging to note that the Government believes that taxes should not impede growth but rather should be used to encourage growth wherever possible.

"They want to invest in practical education and training to ensure people are able to learn new skills and thus equip them for new job opportunities.'' He said the new government had demonstrated resolve to support international business as well as tourism and they "appear to want a sound healthy economy as before''.

"International companies paid $743 million into Bermuda's economy in 1997, $421 million from insurance companies and $62 million direct to the government.'' Brian Hall Graphic file name: BEEHASL BUSINESS BUC