NLP, PLP maverick call for Independence: Page 8 The full text of the White Paper begins on Page 41 Enviroment Minister backs ecological push: Page 5 Editorial: Page 4 Bermuda will have to fight to keep the Island's squeaky-clean image untarnished by rogue offshore jurisdictions, Opposition leader Pamela Gordon warned last night.

Ms Gordon said British newspaper and TV reports on the UK White Paper rewriting relations with its Overseas Territories appeared to "lump Bermuda in'' with unsavoury financial centres.

Ms Gordon -- who yesterday met top Foreign Office Civil Servant John White in London -- said: "It's very disturbing and that was the top of the agenda at the meeting.

"It's a very negative connotation -- the impression being given is we're not a discerning jurisdiction and we are in the same boat with other places -- we are not the same.

"I'm concerned about that -- and concerned therefore for Bermuda and Bermudians employed in the international sector.'' Ms Gordon added Mr. White's advice was that the Island should continue to fight its own corner to make sure the Island's reputation is known.

She said: "It has been brought to my attention that it was said by the Government that there was no concern, that they don't have a problem with way this thing has evolved.'' And she added: "Bermuda has worked very hard and has a regulatory framework in place. To be put in with everyone else gives the wrong impression.'' But she pointed out the White Paper had specifically said "all Overseas Territories'' needed to improve standards.

Ms Gordon said: "The entire financial section of the White Paper does not single out Bermuda once to differentiate us.'' She added: "If we're not proactive and vigilant in convincing the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union of our position, it could put at risk many jobs our Bermudians presently fill.'' Ms Gordon warned the Government plan to hire a PR/lobbying firm to push Bermuda's case should not mean an abdication of responsibility.

She said: "Government should work very hard in its own right -- nobody can represent Bermuda's interests like we can.'' Ms Gordon added she had also discussed Britain's bid to improve human rights -- ending the death penalty and flogging as a court punishment -- and a crackdown on financial dealings in the Overseas Territories.

She said she had asked Mr. White if large numbers of citizens take up the offer of full UK passports, whether that could be used as a stick to beat the Territories -- or as an excuse for the UK to pass laws for them.

Ms Gordon added: "He said `no' -- he said he believed that a mature government giving these options to the people of these countries, would be willing to not have barbaric pieces of legislation.''