recruited and will be in place soon to handle the increasingly complex litigation occasioned by the Island's international business community.

Michael (Micky) Smith, president of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce has disclosed that Government House has now informed the Chamber that a commercial judge has recently been appointed.

Believed to be British with some background in Hong Kong, the new judge is expected to be on the Island soon. The appointment follows the departure from the bench of Mr. Justice Richard Ground.

In addition, Government has promised to commission "an in-depth study'' into the future requirements of international companies.

Friday's Throne Speech stated that "Bermuda cannot continue to conduct business as it always has in the international companies arena, hence significant product enhancement is required if Bermuda is to remain attractive to the leading corporate bodies.'' The developments were welcomed by Mr. Smith, who said the Chamber has written to congratulate all new Government Ministers, with a view to seeking an audience to discuss common goals for the benefit of the Island.

But his first reaction, he conceded, upon hearing the Throne Speech on Friday was "There were no real surprises, except perhaps the inference that some of the proposed programmes were new. Almost without exception, they are continuations of existing initiatives from the previous Government.'' But announced education and housing programmes would incur new costs, and the Throne Speech, he said, contained no suggestion as to how they will be funded.

Mr. Smith may be forgiven for being somewhat circumspect in one regard. He was the opposition UBP's Paget West campaign manager in this month's General Election.

He became the head of the Chamber under a UBP regime he long favoured and actively worked for. He now will be expected to work with a PLP Government for the common good. He indicated this weekend, that is his intention.

The Throne Speech said there was an urgent need for a commercial judge and a method of recording court proceedings in detail. Judges are, at present, required to take official notes of what transpires.

Other weaknesses in the court system that should soon be addressed include the fact that judges are faced with rather cramped working conditions.

The speech noted the annual stream of legislative changes to improve the business environment. This year there are measures designed to "offer a wider range of financial products that will not only satisfy present locally-based companies, but will also attract new business.'' Immediate attention is being given to comprehensive legislative reform dealing with intellectual property in order to better protect copyrights. Bermudian consultants will be used as legislation and plans are prepared for the development of the E-Commerce industry.

The Throne Speech also promised: "Government will ensure that Bermuda presents opportunities, not obstacles, to captive industry incorporation.

Legislative processes will be made more expeditious.'' International business is currently Bermuda's largest industry and its success depends on the unique partnership forged by Government and industry and how it is viewed by external forces.

The day after the PLP seized power with such a large majority, Miami-based Offshore Business News & Research, operated by former Bermuda journalist David Marchant, issued a bulletin to fax-based and electronic subscribers.

Business people were told in two updates that the election result was perceived as "a victory for the black population over the white population.'' One statement claimed "the result could lead to Bermuda becoming independent from the UK within a few years, since that is one of the stated aims of the PLP.'' It compared Bermuda to Bahamas and Jamaica in noting that the latters' once-healthy economies rapidly deteriorated after they became independent.

It said, "Work permits for foreign companies are likely to be harder to come by under a PLP Government and there are huge question marks over the ability of the PLP leaders to run a successful economy.

"Many of the PLP's leaders have either had no experience -- or unsuccessful experiences -- in business.'' The articles also stated, "There is concern that the PLP might try to force international firms to take on more Bermudians, even those that are not qualified or are otherwise considered to be unsuitable.'' One of the releases ended: "One thing is for certain: the United Bermuda Party is unlikely ever to regain power and the creation of another black-led party is likely.'' Bermuda Chamber of Commerce president Michael Smith