And she said Government had not delivered on its November, 1998 election promises.

Ms Ray said she was still struggling to find "decent housing'' for the prices being offered.

She said the situation was "ridiculous'' and added she believed landlords were holding people hostage with the high rents they were charging.

"I would just like to find a decent apartment where I'm not paying someone else's mortgage,'' she said. "I've been looking for a two-bedroom place between $1,000 and $1,500.

"But when I call the agencies there is nothing less than $2,000. I refuse to pay more than $2,000 for an apartment. I am all for people covering their mortgages, but some of these landlords are bleeding you dry.'' Lashonda Smith, a mother of two, also expressed frustration at the "outrageous'' rents being asked for by landlords.

Ms Smith claimed it was a struggle for survival for people to pay their rents and maintain other financial obligations.

"This is totally ridiculous!'' she said. "Born Bermudians cannot pay these prices that these landlords are asking.

"You would be blessed to find a two bedroom place for under $2,000. It's definitely hard out there and I see it getting worse. Some of these landlords don't have a conscience when it comes to rent.'' Ms Smith and Ms Ray are amongst a number of tenants who have searched for affordable housing.

Ms Ray is already housed in a one bedroom, but continues to look for more suitable accommodation because she has two young children that she is trying to accommodate.

Ms Smith noted that prior to finding her apartment she was looking for a "while'', but added that her current home came after an exhausting effort to prove she would be the better tenant.

"There were nearly 20 people lined up for this place,'' she said. "It wasn't even really on the market. It was through word of mouth.

"But there were so many applicants for the house, because it was a reasonable rent. My references could be off the chart, but it all comes down to politics and money.'' Both women agreed that it was time for something be done, because it was a problem that had spiralled out of control.

Ms Smith said: "The Progressive Labour Party (PLP) is up there in the House talking about bigger cars and new licence plates, when they need to be focusing on this housing problem. They need to revamp the whole thing right across the board.

"I want something better for my family. The Government has to be realistic, if they don't think there is a problem, then they'd better open their eyes.'' Ms Ray added: "Trying to put a roof over your head is definitely hard. I think if most of these expats left then these landlords would have to drop their rents. But I don't see a solution anytime soon.''