The Premier last night pledged commitment to fostering "mutual trust" with international business on the Island, likening the relationship to "a healthy marriage".

Dr. Ewart Brown said it was essential for both parties to "express themselves" in order to strengthen the status of Bermuda as an offshore jurisdiction.

Addressing a meeting of the Sandys Rotary Club, he said: "The PLP Government believes that we can hear and heed the call of everyday Bermudians, at the same time that we can maintain a healthy, warm and welcoming relationship with international business.

"Make no mistake about it. The PLP Government — being a rational, seasoned body of experienced, hard-working people who love this Island called Bermuda — immensely values international business. Anything you hear to the contrary is simply not true.

"You all know that international business and tourism are the two pillars of our economy, and that we believe that both pillars are necessary to navigate the global economy in which we operate.

"We have fought too hard to bring back a tourism rebound to risk any harm to our other pillar, international business.

"Yet, I liken our relationship with international business to a healthy marriage. When you intend to stay together forever in a wholesome, mutually-beneficial relationship, both parties must express themselves. Both parties must have issues addressed and resolved, and both parties must work together for a happy, prosperous future. That is what we want to do with the business community."

Dr. Brown said that if Government was re-elected on December 18, it would "spend more friendly time with representatives of the business community".

"I intend to continue to set aside time each month to have informal visits, so that we can build a better relationship based on mutual trust, respect and a commitment to together share a better Bermuda that works for everyone," said the Premier.