put the Island on the map by putting forward specially tailored programmes for next year's Risk & Insurance Managers Society Conference.

The call to arms was made by Roger Gillett, chairman of the marketing sub committee of the Insurance Advisory Committee, the powerful body which advises the Bermuda Government.

He said the industry had to think now of how to bring Bermuda to the fore at next year's event in Atlanta.

And he asked that insurance professionals contact the Bermuda Insurance Institute as soon as possible to look at ideas which could be put in the programme.

But he urged them to hurry as the deadline for proposals to RIMS is closing in -- June 9.

"Our presence at RIMS is outstanding, but one of the areas we fall short on is in the programme of events,'' said Mr. Gillett.

This year Bermuda had a strong presence at RIMS with a well-manned new booth, and a large number of senior executives attending the event.

Premier Jennifer Smith headed a band of nearly 80 delegates from Bermuda, including Minister of Finance Eugene Cox and Minister of Telecommunications Renee Webb.

The high-profile of Bermuda at the event, which was held at the beginning of May, was highlighted by the `Bermuda Tax' issue hitting the insurance press's headlines around the world and was reflected in the press coverage about the Island which has been published this month.

Now Mr. Gillett, who is also a senior vice president at insurance giant ACE, is urging fellow professionals to help make next year's event even more Bermuda focused.

He said: "We know everyone has only just got back from RIMS, but we urge them to come forward with good suggestions. It is a little difficult working a year in advance, but we are appealing to the insurance industry to take a little time out now to think about it. It is important for Bermuda and for the prestige of our industry.

"We ask them to put everything for a short period and concentrate on what will happen next year.'' He said that so far no concepts or ideas had been put forward from Bermuda despite previous appeals, and the Insurance Institute was still hoping to present several ideas to RIMS before the June deadline. Anyone wishing to present ideas for next year's RIMS should contact David Fox at the Bermuda Insurance Institute on 292 9829 or fox y ibl.bm.

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