Computer experts from all over the world are vying for jobs in Bermuda.

Home Affairs Minister Maxwell Burgess revealed the backlog of IT applications when he appointed two new members of the Immigration Board yesterday.

One of the new members, Wayne Dill, has been given the task of sifting through piles of application forms from computer science specialists.

The other, UBP election candidate Kim Swan, will examine applications from overseas tourism workers.

Mr. Burgess said: "Mr. Dill has been appointed to help with the increasing number of applications we see in the field of computer science and its related expertise.

"He has been educated in that area and works for the Bank of Butterfield. He will help make sure that what employers are asking for is what they are getting.

"We are also beginning to see a surge in the tourist industry and that will be Mr. Swan's field.

"The recent purchase of the Princess Hotels and the hopes that the old Club Med will come back on line will place additional strain and requirements on tourism employment.

"Here we have two Bermudians who have an appreciation of the aspirations of their fellow Bermudians and an understanding of what their businesses require to keep us all fed and employed.'' Mr. Burgess said more work permit applications were also expected from construction companies.

But he said Bermudians would `This Board will work tirelessly. It's a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week balancing act. As the economy grows, there will be more demands on us.' -- Maxwell Burgess always be put first, even though "you cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer''.

The Minister added: "I toured the construction sites last week and began to see a bit of a strain there.

"Clearly we are going to see more and more applications for relief in that industry.

"This Board will work tirelessly. It's a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week balancing act. As the economy grows, there will be more demands on us.'' Chairman Gary Pitman said the Board was now at its full complement of 12 -- and Bermudian firms wanted IT experts to solve the Millennium Bug, which could crash computers in 2000.

He added: "We have been without a Board member dedicated to information technology for some time now but we are seeing an increasing number of applications in that field.

"Bermudian companies are presenting us with applications for work permits for potential staff from all over the world. Computer experts are in high demand with many firms concerned about Year 2000 compliance.'' Mr. Dill added: "It's incumbent on the Board to evaluate the technological needs of Bermuda's business community and evaluate the skills and resources available.'' Mr. Swan said: "I will govern myself accordingly and try to be as fair and representative on this Board as best I can.'' ON BOARD WAY -- Immigration Minister Maxwell Burgess is flanked by new Board members Kim Swan (far left) and Wayne Dill (right). Chairman Gary Pitman (second left) looks on at yesterday's press conference to announce the appointments.

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