Bermudians who feel that an increase in the number of work permits being issued is bad are "misguided'' according to Progressive Labour Party Senator, David Burch .

And locals who feel that being Bermudian born is their "free ticket'' to the best jobs will also have to have a rethink according to the Senator.

In debate in the Senate yesterday Sen. Burch said that an increase in work permit issuances was a good indication of economic activity and growth in a society.

"The view of many Bermudians that increases in the number of work permits is bad, is a misguided view in my opinion,'' he said.

The comment sparked Opposition Senate leader Maxwell Burgess to pledge his support to Government's efforts to encourage Bermudians to train in fields held by visiting workers.

Sen. Burgess advocated what he called "the triangular theory'' where the ministries of Finance, Education and Immigration would look at areas lacking Bermudians and provide scholarships to people wanting to train in those disciplines.

"You will have the commitment of the whole of the Opposition, I will make it my personal business because this is in the interest of the whole country,'' he said.

"I pledge my support and if anyone from the Opposition gives you trouble, give their names to me. Just leave it to me I will talk to them because this is important to Bermuda,'' he added.

Sen. Burgess also suggested that a percentage of the revenue generated by the issuance of work permits should be ploughed into an awareness campaign to help change the popular opinion among Bermudians that foreign workers are unnecessary.

"Revenues in this area fall just short of $5 million and Government should take a portion of that and make sure that Bermudians understand the extent to which foreign workers are required and should exist,'' he said.

"It will help with the `anti-ness' that exists and if the principle is put out there it will bode well for the country.'' Sen. Burgess also agreed with the Government's view that a clear immigration policy would help the plight of guest workers.

But Independent Senator Jeanette Cannonier strongly disagreed with Sen.

Burgess' idea that an awareness campaign be set up.

"It will be difficult to justify such an advertising blitz to the average Bermudian who sees foreigners in jobs like waiters and waitresses,'' she said.

Quick to point out that she does believe expatriate workers help the economy Sen. Cannonier said: "Bermuda will always need help from overseas especially to stay on the cutting edge of technology.'' But Sen. Cannonier also noted that many Bermudians are adversely affected by the presence of guest workers and claimed that some foreign chefs "will protect their jobs come hell or high water'' -- pushing qualified Bermudians into the laundry departments of hotels or peeling potatoes.

"This is very demoralising and demeaning for young Bermudians and their parents don't like that they spent good money for them to peel potatoes.'' Senator Cannonier also took issue with the ease with which spouses of Bermudians are afforded work permits and suggested that the process in Bermuda is the easiest in the world.

"Seven hundred and fifty-three letters were issued last year by the Immigration Department to spouses of Bermudians who are deemed to be Bermudian, allowing them to work,'' she said.

"Where else in the world does that happen? Where else in the world can you marry someone and be fully employed the next day? "Is it fair? I'll leave the Government to answer that.'' Independant Senator Walwyn Hughes held as "impressive'' Bermuda's ability to change the number of work permits.

NUMBER OF WORK PERMITS ISSUED 1989 ...10,114 1993 ...5,645 1999 ...7,412