Internet users, Finance Minister Grant Gibbons told the House of Assembly on Friday.

Dr. Gibbons speaking during the Budget debate in the Ministry of Technology, said: "That reflects our sophisticated economy and the sophisticated individuals who live here.

"And on the Internet, Bermuda could become an innovator in the field of secure financial services.

"There will be $60 billion of commerce on the Internet in 2002 and that's exactly why we should be interested in becoming a leading player.'' Dr. Gibbons said licence fees from the telecommunications industry boosted the department's revenue to $7 million, which Bermuda was now profiting from.

But Shadow Minister of Management and Technology Walter Lister said it was crucial that Bermudians were encouraged into any job opportunities being created.

"For the past 100 years, Cable and Wireless has provided Bermuda with the capability of communicating with the world,'' he said. "They have always given Bermudians good quality service and good employment training.

"Now we have other firms coming to Bermuda and they must follow these examples. Otherwise, they will be doing the people of Bermuda a great disservice.'' He said many new jobs created in the industry had gone to foreigners.

"The Progressive Labour Party will see to it that Bermudians get the first crack at these jobs,'' he said, adding that the cost of long-distance calls had to come down.

"We need good service for Bermudians. It's important now that we look closely at all the figures, look at each company's market share and analyse how we are going to get to the next stage.'' Former Minister John Barritt said at least 50 percent of the industry's new jobs had gone to Bermudians.

Dr. Gibbons announced the Ministry's budget for Government Information Services would be increased by just $2,000 but included a major boost for travel expenses and professional services like darkroom equipment.