Bermuda will persuade international bodies that the Island is not a `tax haven' with an `uncompetitive tax regime' that supports the existence of financial crime.

Remarks by Premier Pamela Gordon at the opening of a recent international conference were described as "subtle lobbying'' in yesterday's Comment & Diary section of ID.

The newspaper, a division of Lloyd's List, described how the Premier laid out the case for the Island as a reputable international financial services jurisdiction at the 12th International Reinsurance Congress at the Hamilton Princess Hotel.

The Premier reiterated Bermuda's case that Bermuda stood apart from other offshore centres that may be seen as tax havens that could support financial crimes.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development, the European Union and the G8 Council of Ministers are all looking at offshore jurisdictions and how they impact tax collection and policing of international finance. ID questioned whether Premier Gordon's words "will hold sway with international legislators.'' But the editorial stated: "It is also no secret that most people believe such countries as the UK will think very hard before they agree to change rules for dependencies which are currently enjoying the economic prosperity which attends their success as captive domiciles and offshore company locations.'' The Premier had told conference delegates, which included about 150 visitors from the US, the UK and other countries, that Bermuda was determined to avoid being lumped in with the "bad guys''.

She said, `We have deliberately placed ourselves at the high end of the market, because being at the high end offers everyone involved protection from the negative perceptions that are sometimes placed upon international business.'' The Premier briefly discussed the Government's insistence on advanced discussions with business interests, before legislative changes and the resulting selective vetting led to a register of 10,000 international companies, rather than 100,000 as is boasted by other jurisdictions.

"Our interest is in quality, not quantity,'' she emphasised.

The Premier added, "We attach great importance to our credibility as an international financial jurisdiction. We aim to live up to our responsibilities as a good citizen in the global financial marketplace.''