An expatriate reinsurance executive was granted a full-time work permit after being convicted for importing cannabis.

Yesterday, the Department of Immigration confirmed American Geoff Smith, who is the Worldwide Head of Excess Liability for Ironshore, had been granted a full-time permit. Mr. Smith was on a temporary work permit when he appeared before Magistrates' Court in January and pleaded guilty to importing 1.3 grams of cannabis. He was searched at L.F. Wade International Airport after Customs officers were alerted to him by sniffer dogs.

Permanent Secretary Derick Binns stated: "The Minister did consider the application after meeting with his employers and, while he clearly expressed his intolerance for such offences, determined that the approval of the application would be of benefit to the growth of international business and, ultimately, to Bermuda as a whole."

Dr. Binns added that Mr. Smith was an exception to the rule: "The Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, as does the Department of Immigration, takes all criminal offences very seriously.

"In most cases, persons convicted of criminal offences would not be allowed to work in Bermuda. In most cases, where a person has committed an offence in Bermuda, they would be asked to leave."

But a member of the business community, who wished to remain anonymous, said it seemed unfair that Bermudian youths caught with the same amount could be placed on the US stop list and prevented from pursuing educational and career opportunities.

"It just seems hypocritical," she claimed. "It sends out the wrong message. Young Bermudians caught and found guilty with the same amount of drugs would have very serious consequences."

A spokesperson for Ironshore said they did not comment on private matters