International companies say they have no problem with Premier Alex Scott saying they have to "raise the bar" as corporate citizens to help the whole Island prosper.

In a recent overseas trip, Mr. Scott reminded international companies of their accountability to the Island.

And he said the success of international business is inextricably linked to Government's programme of social and educational improvements.

Reporting last Friday to MPs on his meeting with HSBC officials in California in April, Mr. Scott said: "This Government believes the evolution of the banking and financial sector of our economy must be directly linked, and inseparable from, the improvement and empowerment of the lives and lot of all of us who inhabit our island home.

"Bermuda works best when the private and public sectors work together, therefore, addressing our social agenda together will create an environment that is good for good ? good for Bermudians, good for Bermuda.

"Consequently, this Government looks to the collective efforts of the financial sector ? insurance, reinsurance and banking ? to raise the bar on corporate responsibility to our citizens."

David Ezekiel, the head of the Association of Bermuda International Companies, told : "It is tough to disagree with any of that. I do think that international business is a tremendous corporate citizen right now.

"But that doesn't stop us for a second from looking at 'how much more do we do', and 'how do we do it better'.

"Internally, we are taking a very good look at ourselves ? about how many Bermudians we employ and what opportunities there are for them to advance in international business.

"By the time the year is out, we will have sent out a detailed survey on what we do and how we can do it better internally.

"I don't have to repeat what international business does for local organisations, schools and charity. Are we going to slow up? Absolutely not.

"International business makes a huge contribution. But we don't view the Premier's comments as anything but a positive roadmap for the way forward. That is the way we view ourselves and the way we want the partnership to continue."

Deborah Middleton, chief executive officer of Bermuda International Business Association, said: "I think all those involved in international business would have no argument with the Premier's comments about raising the bar of corporate responsibility.

"Even though our members already contribute to the community on an individual basis in terms of scholarships, funding to local charities, donations of school equipment and sponsorship of sporting and cultural events, there are always opportunities to build on that.

"BIBA's Local Awareness Committee works with our membership, the Government, and other organisations such as the Bermuda College, B.TEC and the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies to stress the importance of a good education to our students so that they can play a role in, as well as benefit from, international business".