The man organising the research into finding alternatives to prison said he believed the private sector will become more involved in helping fund Government programmes in the future.

Neal Shifman, president of Advocates for Human Potential, said the decision by RenaissanceRe to finance the research for the Department of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety is significant.

The dilemma for Bermuda is the absence of income tax limits Government in the scope of its activities, he said.

Exempted companies take advantage of the Island's tax laws and infrastructure to generate profits, but realise a safe environment and a harmonious and prosperous community are vital to their success.

RenaissanceRe chairman and chief executive Jim Stanard emphasised yesterday that "social health and business health are invariably linked'' and he described the initiative as his company's investment in the " `just society' of Bermuda''.

Mr. Shifman said he believed corporate philanthropy could hold the key to funding future Government programmes.

The launch document says one of the tasks of the various steering groups is to look at "the involvement of the private sector, be sensitive to their concerns, and, together with Government, help to financially support the future system of care''.

Mr. Shifman told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "The private sector plays a major role on this Island and it made sense to include them as well because whatever is done impacts on them as well.

"How will these efforts be supported in the future in a country with no tax base? It puts a reliance on Government and that is difficult to sustain.

"What this initiative does is call these things into question. How do we get the best possible outcome for the service we provide and begin to match up the needs of clients with the ability of Government, the private sector and the providers to the community so that the outcome is to stop recidivism?'' When asked if he hoped the RenaissanceRe involvement would kickstart further private sector co-operation with Government, he said: "I sure hope so.

"It seems desirable to see that and it is this Government's desire to see that occur.'' Mr. Stanard said later: "It's part of an ongoing process that international companies do and continue to do.

"They are particularly good at kickstarting something that is new and experimental when it is easier for a company to do that than for it to be put through the political process. But once the programme gets established it is a Government function.'' Model: Neil Shifman CONFERENCE CON JAIL JAL