controls and overseas investment taxes include: Bermudians will no longer be financial prisoners of the Island. There will be more freedom for individuals and companies to invest abroad.

Foreign holdings will provide a financial safety net for the Country in the future. Investment abroad will build up an overseas balance to cover the bad times. Bermuda has previously encouraged consumption at the expense of investment.

Interest rates are now low overseas making it an ideal time to relax controls, because higher returns are available in Bermuda than overseas.

Lower interest rates in Bermuda would make credit cheaper, helping local businesses to expand -- and possibly reducing prices -- and could also reduce the cost of mortgages.

Currency restrictions have deterred people from repatriating money earned abroad and may have deterred young Bermudian business people from returning home to work.

Returns on investments from abroad would be a source of foreign exchange for the Island.

Limited investment opportunities in Bermuda led people to invest in property, inflating the price of real estate. Reform could make homes more affordable.

Foreign banks may be attracted to the Island, providing employment and servicing the international companies' business.