mini-summit a roaring success.

And the historic meeting could be the first of a series to forge closer links with its fellow Dependent Territories to the south.

The news came as Caribbean government leaders queued up to honour Ms Gordon's "brilliant'' masterstroke in inviting them to Bermuda in the run-up to a rewrite of relations between the UK and its colonies.

Ms Gordon said at the end of the two-day conference: "I am delighted that my fellow heads of government responded so positively to my invitation and -- having just concluded our discussions -- my colleagues were unanimous in their belief that this is a forum which deserves to be continued.'' And she added: "The meeting of Chief Ministers provided an opportunity for us to examine areas of common interest, to discuss other issues of mutual concern and to strengthen the ties which exist between our respective countries.'' Ms Gordon said the talks had concentrated on the three areas thrown out by the UK for submissions -- citizenship, constitutional status and a change of name from Dependent Territories to something less patronising.

But she added that several other areas had been identified which would be addressed jointly prior to next month's meeting of the Dependent Territories Association in London.

She said "most significant'' was the fight for a better deal for tiny, volcano-ravaged Montserrat.

Also on the agenda will be the UK tax code and its possible impact if rights are extended, visa-free access, status of passports and stronger rights on negotiating air transport.

Common ground established at leaders' meeting Ms Gordon said: "We dealt with the issues we have in common and the things which divide us.

"Just to be able to engage in dialogue and understand our particular concerns will perhaps make us stronger -- not just as a regional entity, but individually.'' Montserrat Chief Minister David Brandt said the support his country had been given was "very heartening.'' He said Bermuda had "regarded itself as a place which is separate from the Caribbean'' -- but added the conference was a fresh start.

Mr. Brandt added: "It was heartening to see that the Premier invited us at this point in time and that she was able to recognise that, despite the difference in distance, our history has been the same and that Bermuda is in a position to help us all along the path.

"She has brought to the meeting a feeling of comradeship and fostered in us a desire to approach our problems together and give each other support.'' Anguilla's Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes added: "We have common interests and common threats and I think it was an ingenious decision by the Bermudian Premier to call this meeting.

"It's historic and no longer can the British hope to pit us off one against the other.'' `It was heartening to see that the Premier .. . was able to recognise that, despite the difference in distance, our history has been the same and that Bermuda is in a position to help us all along the path. -- Montserrat Chief Minister David Brandt And he said: "The whole image was that Bermuda was far removed....but Bermuda will benefit from this.'' Mr. Hughes added that his country was not "begging Bermuda for money'' -- but asking for its experience and for its financial experts to explore the potential in the rest of the Territories.

British Virgin Islands Chief Minister Ralph O'Neal said he had got a feeling of unity of purpose.

And Turks and Caicos Tourism Minister Oswald Skippings said: "We have found common ground and we have also discovered we can be much more effective in dealing with Her Majesty's Government if we have a common voice.'' He added that it was difficult to discuss everything of concern in just one-and-a-half days.

But he said: "There are many issues we might be able to bring to the table at a future date.''