destination, Telecommunications and E-Commerce Minister Renee Webb affirmed yesterday.

And this was shown by the recent creation of the E-Commerce Department and the transfer of the Computer Systems and Services Department to her Ministry, she said.

"The E-Commerce Department was established to focus on marketing and business development with the aim of making Bermuda an e-commerce hub,'' said Ms Webb.

"We transferred CSSD to the Ministry to enhance the Ministry's ability to develop the Island's e-commerce potential.'' Ms Webb noted it was an exciting, yet challenging, time for the development of e-commerce in Bermuda but pointed out: "Success will not happen overnight.

"It will take time and effort to become the leading offshore jurisdiction for e-commerce.'' An e-commerce code of conduct is being drafted and Government continues to liaise with the private sector in order to glean its input, she said.

The E-Commerce Advisory Board is completing a national plan for e-commerce which will cover areas including the development of the necessary educational resources, a marketing plan and the required infrastructure.

Plans are also afoot to boost awareness of e-commerce in the community through the schools and through advertising in local media.

Schools including the Bermuda College, were also being encouraged to create training programmes to help create a trained work force.

The Bermuda International Business Association is also working in partnership with the Ministry with one aim being to make sure Bermudians do not feel alienated by e-commerce in the same way that international business alienated many locals when it first came on the scene.

Government backbencher Dale Butler praised the initiative, noting that it was important to educate people in e-commerce and the opportunities it presented.

However he added that he did not feel enough was being done in this regard and called for more emphasis to be put on informing the community.

Overseas, Government and BIBA have been showcasing the Island at e-commerce conferences with the intention of attracting business to its shores, continued Ms Webb.

Issues that attracted people included the Island's political stability, its strong infrastructure, its tax regulations and its legal framework, she noted.

"Bermuda is considered a Rolls Royce jurisdiction,'' she added, because of its move to ban online gambling and pornography.

And Bermuda is in good position to handle a hoped for boom in e-commerce activity, she continued.

Recent conferences show the Island is on the e-commerce map and "is definitely recognised as being in the lead pack,'' said Ms Webb.