weeks.

And employers who victimise Bermudian entertainers should be barred from hiring foreign musicians.

That was the call yesterday from local musicians as they lobbied Government to clamp down on work permits.

Some 20 musicians converged on the Labour Ministry to give vent to their fury.

They handed a 30-name petition to Mr. Ernie Owen, Permanent Secretary to Labour Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman, who is abroad.

Mr. Owen said Acting Labour Minister the Hon. Michael Winfield would meet the protesters at 4.30 p.m. on Thursday.

The group wants Government to honour a written promise made to the Chamber of Commerce in 1982.

The then-Home Affairs Minister the Hon. Sir John Sharpe pledged commitment to maximise the use of Bermudian entertainers.

He also said Government was determined to encourage the "development of Bermudian musicians, and the career opportunities which should properly exist in a resort dedicated to entertaining visitors''.

Among yesterday's list of demands to Mr. Pearman were: No work permits for performing at pubs, restaurants and hotels between November and March.

Priority for Bermudian entertainment between April and October.

Bans on foreign doctors, lawyers, and others from having extra permits to work as musicians.

Ensuring hotels hire Bermudian acts for group functions, except for particular events starring big names.

Bermudians must appear as opening acts for concerts featuring overseas stars.

The protesters also want to stop overseas musicians having a permit for more than one or two weeks.

Spokesman for the protesters Mr. Tony Brannon said tourists were being starved of Bermudian music.

Not one Front Street bar was currently offering nightly local entertainment throughout the week.

Singer Mr. George Smith, vice president of the Bermuda Federation of Musicians and Variety Artistes, said most musicians were struggling.

He said it was "ludicrous'' for Bermudians to go overseas to promote the Island and then return to find no work.

Multi-talented Mr. Ron Lightbourne said it was wrong for food and beverage managers, without musical expertise, to have so much power in hiring and firing artistes.

SINGING THE BLUES -- That's these Bermudian musicians who say they are losing out to overseas rivals. Organiser Mr. Tony Brannon is shown handing a petition to Mr. Ernie Owen, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs.8l