Business chiefs last night slammed Shadow Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Alex Scott's claims that Government and Island business was "too close'' to organised crime.

And top figures from the business world closed ranks and warned Mr. Scott's comments could severely damage Bermuda's squeaky-clean reputation -- and cost jobs.

The Chamber of Commerce and Bermuda International Business Association united to condemn Mr. Scott.

Chairman of the International Companies Division of the Chamber of Commerce David Ezekiel said he was "astounded'' by Mr. Scott's statements.

He blasted: "It's absolutely unbelievable that someone could make such an unfounded comment with absolutely no backing whatsoever, especially considering the sort of ramifications this could have in terms of our reputations.'' And Mr. Ezekiel warned Mr. Scott's statements were particularly dangerous at a time when international financial watchdogs had turned their eyes on so-called tax havens.

Mr. Scott sparked the storm of protest after he claimed underworld bosses and drugs barons could hide behind UBP business backers and highly-placed supporters.

Mr. Scott admitted associates of the UBP would only "unwittingly'' be involved through their business and financial ties.

But he insisted the PLP would be better placed to weed out drugs and crime because party members do not own the container firms and yachts used to ferry drugs into the Island.

And -- apparently forgetting PLP leader Jennifer Smith is a director of the Bermuda Commercial Bank -- Mr. Scott said PLP members were not on the boards of container lines, banks and deposit companies where dirty money could be laundered.

But BIBA chairman Glenn Titterton denounced Mr. Scott's linking of Government to organised crime.

He said: "This type of accusation is totally irresponsible and damages Bermuda's reputation as a clean, well-run and properly regulated international business centre.'' Mr. Titterton added: "Statements of this short-sighted and parochial nature are counterproductive to all the efforts and resources that have led to Bermuda being regarded as a premier centre for international business.'' Individual businessmen also queued up to take a swipe at Mr. Scott.

Ward Young -- who fits the profile of a wealthy business supporter of the UBP and whose wife Kim is a Government Minister owns the Phoenix Stores chain and the BGA group of companies, major importers to Bermuda.

Mr. Young said: "I find this extremely offensive -- Alex Scott has been soft on crime all along and he has reared his head at the eleventh hour.

"This is the true Alex Scott and this Island should take heed.'' A fellow importer, Butterfield & Vallis owner Jim Butterfield, added: "I am disappointed and incensed that he would say the UBP is close to organised crime. He has taken a shot at Government departments, importers and shipping lines, deposit taking companies and banks.

"Here we have the people who are keeping the lifeblood of Bermuda flowing and he can just say these things and walk away from it.'' Mr. Butterfield said it was impossible for importers to make a phone call to get a container released.

"We import 40 to 50 containers a week and if we did that, that would be the one container which would be certain to be searched. Nothing moves on a phone call. This is an example of an evil imagination run wild.''