Telecom company BTC Digicel was unable to secure Bermudian workers for 85 short-term positions that went to staff from overseas, according to Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the Minister of Home Affairs.

She spoke after the large-scale hire over the weekend caught widespread attention, with many questioning why local workers had not been sought.

However, in response to Opposition criticism, the minister said the company had advertised before ultimately opting to subcontract the work on its fibre-optic network.

Ms Gordon-Pamplin added that she agreed not to require further advertising as “it was unlikely to get sufficient Bermudian personnel” — but would create 56 permanent Bermudian jobs.

“I can confirm that the rules indeed do apply to all,” Ms Gordon-Pamplin said, after the Opposition called on her to clarify the matter.

A PLP spokesman added that the party supported Digicel’s work in enhancing its capabilities.

Positions were advertised in February 2016, the minister said, for an overhaul that was subcontracted to Protel — said to be experienced in the gigabit-capable passive optical network technology, known as GPON.

Listing the applications, Ms Gordon-Pamplin said the company had advertised for a project manager with three years’ experience managing large fibre roll-outs and GPON — with three applicants lacking GPON expertise.

Applicants similarly fell short on the expertise for three OSP managers, two stringing managers, two splicing managers, and the position of GPON engineer.

The minister said that all foreign workers granted short-term permits were GPON specialists.

“This determination is supported by Item 1.15 of the Work Permit policy regarding advertising criteria which allows an extension of six months before permits are applied for.

“In this instance, an additional four months had expired, but given the information previously mentioned, I permitted the company to use their subcontractor for the infrastructure build and to provide a system to support ongoing Bermudian jobs.

“The company has also provided the department with its training framework with which I am satisfied.

“I believe it is clear that this matter has no correlation to the other matter for which the Opposition is questioning, but I am extremely pleased that they realise the importance of this build and the enhancement of our telecommunications structure which will add value to Bermuda as a global business centre.” Telecom company BTC Digicel was unable to secure Bermudian workers for 85 short-term positions that went to staff from overseas, according to Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the Minister of Home Affairs.

She spoke after the large-scale hire over the weekend caught widespread attention, with many questioning why local workers had not been sought.

However, in response to Opposition criticism, the minister said the company had advertised before ultimately opting to subcontract the work on its fibre-optic network.

Ms Gordon-Pamplin added that she agreed not to require further advertising as “it was unlikely to get sufficient Bermudian personnel” — but would create 56 permanent Bermudian jobs.

“I can confirm that the rules indeed do apply to all,” Ms Gordon-Pamplin said, after the Opposition called on her to clarify the matter.

A PLP spokesman added that the party supported Digicel’s work in enhancing its capabilities.

Positions were advertised in February 2016, the minister said, for an overhaul that was subcontracted to Protel — said to be experienced in the gigabit-capable passive optical network technology, known as GPON.

Listing the applications, Ms Gordon-Pamplin said the company had advertised for a project manager with three years’ experience managing large fibre roll-outs and GPON — with three applicants lacking GPON expertise.

Applicants similarly fell short on the expertise for three OSP managers, two stringing managers, two splicing managers, and the position of GPON engineer.

The minister said that all foreign workers granted short-term permits were GPON specialists.

“This determination is supported by Item 1.15 of the Work Permit policy regarding advertising criteria which allows an extension of six months before permits are applied for.

“In this instance, an additional four months had expired, but given the information previously mentioned, I permitted the company to use their subcontractor for the infrastructure build and to provide a system to support ongoing Bermudian jobs.

“The company has also provided the department with its training framework with which I am satisfied.

“I believe it is clear that this matter has no correlation to the other matter for which the Opposition is questioning, but I am extremely pleased that they realise the importance of this build and the enhancement of our telecommunications structure which will add value to Bermuda as a global business centre.”