The Bermuda Employers' Council (BEC) has welcomed the appointment of Paula Cox as Premier and her pledge to cut Government spending and take control of the issuing of contracts and procurement to businesses.

Martin Law, executive director of the BEC, said that Premier Cox had shown her willingness to consult with all stakeholders on matters of mutual interest in the past and the BEC looked forward to a continuation of this approach.

"We believe that it is only through dialogue and consultation that sound decision making and progress can be made," he said.

"The BEC is also encouraged by the Premier's vow to cut government spending and her intention to take close control of contracts and procurement."

Mr. Law said that the BEC also anticipated a close working relationships being developed between the employer community and the new ministers now responsible for the economy, labour, international business, training, tourism and work permits as a result of the Cabinet reshuffle, describing them as "key interfaces" for the business community with Government.

"The new allocation of responsibilities will require us to work closely with Minister Wilson on labour relations, training and work permits as well as general economic matters," he said.

"We look forward to early and regular dialogue with the Minister and her key advisers to help them appreciate and understand the real concerns and challenges that the employer community is facing. Likewise with Minister Minors. Having responsibility for sustaining and developing international business and tourism is of major importance for our economy.

"These two sectors form the basis upon which all other sectors survive and thrive. Because of this we again see a need for early and regular dialogue with the Minister and her key advisers."

Mr. Law added that there was always an element of a fresh beginning in light of leadership and ministerial changes, while the significant changes that the new Premier had ushered in signalled a golden opportunity for Bermuda in the future.

"It is becoming a cliché, but it is still painfully true, that Bermuda remains in tough economic times," he said. "All the social partners — employers, government, workers and individuals — need to work together to see us through our current challenges. The opportunity to do this presents itself with these leadership and ministerial changes and the BEC remains willing and eager to play its part."