concerns of Bermudians, an Opposition MP said last night.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Alex Scott noted that long-term residents had made a contribution to the Island and needed protection but pointed out that Bermudians needed a "package of protection'' also.

Home Affairs Minister Maxwell Burgess announced last Friday that non-Bermudians who have been in Bermuda for longer than 20 years will be able to stay on a temporary basis if they are made redundant -- provided they can find alternative employment.

This policy goes into effect immediately.

Mr. Scott said: "There is no mention of protection for Bermudians.

"If you extend the privileges and rights of one group, it must be reciprocal.

The Progressive Labour Party seeks protection for both communities.'' He said his conversations with long-term residents had identified one main point.

"They want to have the ability to carry on their business here without the fear of one day seeing an immigration officer appear with a directive for them to leave the Island.'' However there were other needs that had to be met, he continued.

"Simultaneously, we must make sure that we protect Bermudians in their homeland while being far better hosts.'' He admitted that the balance was difficult to reach but stressed it could be hit with the gradual phasing out of long-term resident contracts.

It was key that further long-term residents were not created, he said.

"We don't want to continue creating long-term residents. This happens with the renewal time over time of the contracts of non-Bermudian workers.

"They should be here for a set period of time with a Bermudian understudy or with Bermudians being trained for the post; not continually renewing their contracts so they become long-term residents.'' Long-term residents of 20 years must be protected, he noted, but the feed of more long-term residents into the community needed to be halted.

While it would not happen overnight, it had to be done as it would reassure Bermudians.

"Bermudians will no longer look on long-term residents as interlopers, as people who impact on their life, their community and their jobs.

"They will be satisfied that they are not being displaced.'' Maxwell Burgess Graphic file name: MABURG GOVERNMENT GVT