The leader of the British Virgin Islands paid a visit to Bermuda yesterday to pick up tips on tourism and discuss future constitutional reforms.

Chief Minister Dr. Orlando Smith called in to visit Premier Alex Scott as a courtesy call on his way to New York.

The pair first met at the Overseas Territories Consultative Council summit in London last December and vowed to keep in touch, said Mr. Scott.

Dr. Smith, whose fledgling National Democratic Party won power last June, said he briefly met Tourism Minister Renee Webb.

And he was having dinner with Mr. Scott last night when he expected to discuss the constitutional reviews which all British dependent territories are facing.

He told The Royal Gazette that unlike Bermuda, Independence was not on the political agenda of BVI.

"But it (Independence) is something we need to be aware of and aware of its significance and what it would mean for us," he said. "I had a very brief general discussion on tourism, more to get information than anything else.

"I will be renewing my acquaintance (with Mr. Scott) because having met in London we discussed the fact that most dependent territories will be be engaging in constitutional reviews and we are to start that process in train in BVI.

"There has been some discussion here (in Bermuda) about Independence and I am sure there will be lots more discussion on constitutional reviews and independence."

Mr. Scott said: "He's just a friend passing through. When heads of state get together there will be common themes which emerge but this is not a gathering arranged for any practical purpose other than two friends meeting."

BVI consists of 16 inhabited and 20 uninhabited islands in the Caribbean of covering a total of 153 square kilometres. It has a population of 21,730 and a Legislative Council of 13 elected members.