now on public display, it was announced yesterday.

People are being asked to check it and write to the Chief Immigration Officer if anything is wrong or missed out.

Government says the register, when completed after three drafts, will provide a simple way of showing a person is a Bermudian, either by birth or grant.

Acting Home Affairs Minister the Hon. Mike Winfield said it will eliminate the time and expense now involved in getting papers that have been needed up to now in proving someone is Bermudian.

"Instead of the Bermudian having to supply the proof, the Department of Immigration will already have it on the register,'' he said.

"The register is not, nor is it intended to be, a comprehensive list of Bermudians, many of whom live abroad. It is primarily a list of resident Bermudians.

"Children, born in Bermuda of a Bermudian parent whose name is on the register, can be added fairly simply after the register is established.

"Once that step has been taken we shall have a nearly complete list of Bermudians living in Bermuda.

"The importance of having an accurate list is that once the register becomes established each entry on the list will be automatic, conclusive proof that the person named is Bermudian. However, the opposite will not be true. A person who is not listed on the register but who asks the department whether he or she is Bermudian will be no worse off than at present.

"He or she will have to provide full documentation, as is the case now.'' Complaints about errors or omissions will cost $5, he said, refundable if the objection is "substantiated''.

The first draft will be displayed until June 22 at post offices and the Government Administration building.