Government has been clear and unequivocal in its position regarding the future of Bermuda's long-term residents, Acting Immigration Minister Jerome Dill said yesterday.

All critics need to do is obtain a copy of the Throne Speech and read it to allay their fears.

Mr. Dill was responding to the most recent comments from Progressive Labour Party Shadow Immigration spokesman Alex Scott who said that Government does not know how to address the predicament of Bermuda's long-term residents.

Mr. Scott slammed recent Government pledges to discuss the issue in Parliament and to produce a Green Paper.

He said that both vehicles underscored Government's inability to act decisively and put the issue to bed once and for all.

"Anyone reading the Throne Speech would see that we are committed to a Green Paper (a discussion document with no legislative effect) on the issue of long-term residents,'' Mr. Dill said.

"The PLP cannot say, unless they are completely and utterly disingenuous, that Government has not taken a position. We have.'' However, the next step Mr. Dill said -- producing the Green Paper with all the options -- requires care and cannot be rushed.

"This takes time to compile. Having said that, we have committed to debating that Green Paper this session but all of that is already contained in the Throne Speech.

"I don't think that there is any useful purpose served when Alex Scott takes these public stances. I am sure he has his own reasons for adopting the positions he adopts. But for the life of me I cannot see what it is.''