concluded yesterday with Premier Jennifer Smith welcoming the exchange of ideas with academics and politicians.

A Government spokesman said the conference produced "wide ranging, lively and productive discussion on a variety of issues...'' and was destined to have long lasting and wide-ranging effects on the Island.

Warden of St. Anthony's, Sir Marrack Goulding commented on the quality of the discussions, which dealt with tourism and its relationship with international business, and both industries' impact on the environment.

Also on the agenda was immigration and such social issues as housing, drugs, education and the divide between the "haves and the have-nots''.

Sir Marrack thanked the Bermuda delegation for their participation. The delegation included Finance Minister Eugene Cox, Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox, Environment Minister Terry Lister, and Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon.

Each minister presented a paper which led to discussions in what was described as an informal, private and relaxed setting.

Academics from around the world and UK Parliamentarians and four Bermudians attending Oxford also attended.

Premier Smith called the Conference a useful exercise particularly because it allowed the Island to hear objective viewpoints from the outside world on the issues it faces.

Ms Smith thanked St. Anthony's College and facilitator Geoffrey Elliot, who is a Bermuda resident and St. Anthony's Honorary Fellow.