years, are being forced to leave the Island to make jobs for unemployed Bermudians.

Voices of concern were expressed by the Acorean community yesterday as, for the first time, high numbers of Portuguese workers are being affected by the job market.

"Before, Bermuda's unemployment level was not like this,'' said Portuguese Consul, Dr. Francisco Santos Correia. "Certainly people here who have status or Bermudians who want jobs have priority. Many (Portuguese) don't know the law and are caught in this circumstance and only now they are trying to do something. I've seen about three or four (cases) and I know there will be more in the future.'' The issue came to light after the friend of an Azorean native wrote to The Royal Gazette complaining that his co-worker's permit was not being renewed despite the fact he has lived on the Island since he was five. The letter appeared in Wednesday's newspaper.

"...I would consider him more Bermudian than me even though I was born here,'' the friend wrote. "He...is now in his late twenties and I, who wasn't even born yet, am 21. So you can see who has been here longer than whom...All I'm asking immigration to do is renew his permit or give him Bermuda status and make me and a lot of other people feel glad.'' Minister of Labour and Home Affairs the Hon. Irving Pearman said his department is limited in what it can do because of the large number of unemployed Bermudians.

"In some cases employers are not renewing contracts (because of the recession) and in other cases Bermudians have applied for the job,'' he said.

"We think it's a problem that affects us all, not just Portuguese. There are 700 to 800 Bermudians out of work, several hundred Bermudians who are not being replaced.'' Dr. Correia said there are two groups of people whose permits are not being renewed.

"We have several people who have finished their contracts here and are returning home. The conditions here are not so favourable anymore and their contracts have not been renewed.

"A second kind has been here for 15, 20 years and in this case want to stay and are trying to do so. Some were born here and are trying so that they can obtain Bermuda status.'' Dr. Correia said he did not know the exact number of persons affected, but saw it as a growing problem.

"I am now advising them and only now are they beginning to be aware of this, before they were ignorant. Even some now don't know. It's difficult to contact everybody. I normally see between five and six people each week and I advise them but many do not come here (to the Consulate).'' UBP MP Mr. Ernest DeCouto said while the law should protect Bermudians, consideration should be given to long-time residents who do much for the tourist industry.

"I know there's a general concern in the (Portuguese) community, and I know the situation as it is relating to unemployment. Government is trying to protect jobs for Bermudians.

"Many labourers over a time have made a commitment to the community and that deserves some consideration,'' he said. "We find ourselves in need of the work they do particularly in terms of landscaping and other amenities. They're very important to our environment. When you enjoy working you certainly do your best at it. They're not being forced to take that job because nothing else is available.

"I think Government must be sensitive to the actual position of the Portuguese in view of their possible long standing in the community. In periods of good times, they've always been welcome here.''