Bank of Bermuda has published record first quarter net earnings for 2000, with profits reaching $32.5 million, up more than 50 percent on the same period the year before.

Bermuda's largest bank attributed its increase in profits to strong performance driven by a continued growth on core earnings.

The bank reported diluted operating earnings per share of $1.10 and increase of 37.5 percent from the 80 cents reported for the same three months ended September 30 last year.

"We are obviously delighted to follow last year's excellent performance by reporting first quarter results of this magnitude,'' said Henry Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Bermuda.

The bank's reported return on equity was 21.3 percent, higher than the 17.4 percent in the same period last year.

For a full report, see Monday's business pages CANADIAN UNIVERSITY TO HONOUR PREMIER EDC AWD VIP Canadian university to honour Premier Premier Jennifer Smith will receive an honorary doctorate from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia tomorrow.

The university selected her to receive the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of her political success as a woman and her passionate interest in education and literacy.

The Premier said: "I am truly humbled by this honour. It is no secret that education and all areas of literacy are dear to my heart.'' Last month she launched a national literacy initiative to include a national survey of literacy in Bermuda's adult population.

She continued: "I am especially pleased to be recognised by Mount Saint Vincent University because its founding mission was to educate women.'' The Premier will give the convocation address to the graduating class, which includes seven students from Bermuda.

DRUG ACCUSED APPEARS IN COURT CTS Drug accused appears in court A Jamaican man was remanded in custody to face a Supreme Court trial for allegedly importing cocaine.

Glenroy Harvey did not have to plead before Magistrate Edward King to three counts relating to 860.8 grams of cocaine worth $235,375 on the Streets of Bermuda when he appeared in court yesterday.

Harvey is charged with importing cocaine in St. George's on October 16, possessing it with intent to supply, and handling cocaine.

Harvey's age and home address are not known but he was represented by lawyer Larry Mussenden. The accused will appear in Supreme Court for trial on Monday.

PARTY ORGANISER PLEADS NOT GUILTY CTS Party organiser pleads not guilty The promoter for the Hawkins Island `Don't Stop the Party' events has been charged with exceeding the legal noise levels on July 29.

Anthony (Tony) Ware Brannon pleaded not guilty yesterday to playing amplified music and voices "in such a manner that the sound was heard a distance exceeding 100 feet to the annoyance of two or more people'' between the hours of 6 a.m. and midnight.

Magistrate Edward King set down a trial date of January 8. Mr. Brannon was not required to sign for bail.