Tax breaks and concessions "excite the community and lead to development and happiness", Deputy Premier Paula Cox told members of her party yesterday.

And the Finance Minister promised that more would be on the cards if the Progressive Labour Party wins the General Election on December 18.

Ms Cox told an audience at Alaska Hall: "We will provide significant tax benefits to businesses — large and small — for investing in the human development of distressed communities.

"A PLP Government will provide tax incentives to good corporate citizens — both corporate and individual — who promote economic advancement for Bermudians.

"A PLP Government will promote sustainable alternative energy sources by way of flexible and fair tax policies and utilise tax incentives to promote environmentally friendly policies."

The pledge to reward those companies who help to advance Bermudians comes soon after the Government announced its proposed Workforce Equity Act, which will fine firms which block the progress of black Bermudians.

Ms Cox said the party would review companies' land holding powers and where appropriate expand the use of leaseholds to facilitate tourism and international business.

A business registry system to better assist businesses to access government services would also be introduced under the PLP.

The party manifesto lists other promises including:

• Using tax concessions to provide greater incentives to local business;

• Using the Government fee structure to protect Bermuda's reputation and competitiveness as an international financial services jurisdiction;

• Considering the establishment of a Monopolies Commission;

• Introducing incentives that encourage Bermudians to save more; and

• Promoting tax incentives to those entities that enhance greater economic mobility for Bermudians.