Dependent Territories Association was "a beginning, rather than an end of a process.'' She added: "There is much work to be done, but I remain both confident and optimistic that by harnessing the goodwill, the determination and energy displayed by the Overseas Territories in London that Bermudians will be the ultimate beneficiaries.'' Ms Gordon -- just back from the London conference, which was addressed by UK Foreign Secretary Robin Cook -- that the Dependent Territories, to be renamed Overseas Territories being brought together under a single department was "of particular significance.'' She said: "The new department will be a direct point of contact between the British Government and the Governments of the Overseas Territories.'' The new department will be run under Baroness Symons, currently Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, who will become Minister for the Overseas Territories.

Ms Gordon said a new Overseas Territories Council will be set and meet annually.

She explained: "This is to be a vehicle through which Chief Ministers and Councillors can raise their concerns directly with the Minister. Every other year the meeting of the proposed council will take place just prior to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.'' Ms Gordon repeated that Mr. Cook is exploring the possibility of full UK citizenship for all the Dependent Territories -- but stressed again that was not linked to his call for stringent financial regulations to be put in place.

Ms Gordon added: "These are matters which will require further detailed discussions with our financial sector -- however, we believe that Bermuda already has in place a sound regulatory environment in which we conduct our business to the highest financial standards.'' And she said Mr. Cook had said it would be "desirable'' for the Dependent Territories to share the UK position on the death penalty and birching, to ensure their laws are in line with the UK's international human rights obligations.

She added that the Heads of Government in the Dependent Territories had also agreed regular meetings between themselves would be useful.

But Ms Gordon stressed no changes would be made to the status quo in Bermuda without full consultation with its people.