Ahmed ElAmin . Now the Bank of Bermuda is considering moving part of its computer department.

The Bank of Bermuda Ltd. is considering relocating part of its computer department overseas.

If the decision is made, the move would create a third location from which the bank's information technology staff could service worldwide operations. The bank has information technology staff in Hong Kong as well as Bermuda.

Chief financial officer Edward Gomez said the bank was currently conducting a feasiblity study on such a move -- with a focus on the UK -- due to a worldwide shortage of information technology workers.

"In response to a worldwide shortage of information technology personnel we are in the early stages of considering the possible resourcing of a portion of our Bermuda-based systems activity,'' he said, reading from a prepared statement.

He said the move was based on growth within the bank and the need to hire additional staff trained in information technology. Mr. Gomez stressed no jobs would be lost as a result of a move. The bank was guaranteeing that Bermudians who didn't want to go would be retrained to do other jobs in the information technology field for the bank.

"(The study) is a result of growth and if it materialises it would involve no loss of jobs,'' he said. "Moreover it would create the potential to relocate Bermudian staff which would provide them with overseas training and experience thereby enhancing career opportunities in a field of vast potential.'' There is currently a worldwide shortage in the information technology sector due to increased demand. As a result salaries for those who work with computers and data are skyrocketing. Many are being hired to deal with the Year 2000 problem. Others are in demand due to growth in the technology sector and the increasing computerisation of operations.

Apparently the bank is considering moving the application programmers, those who deal with software, and possibly the technical support staff.

Relocating part of the Bermuda operation to the UK would help the bank provide better service to its European operations. The time zone difference would also give the company a technical advantage in providing service to its worldwide operations round-the-clock from Hong Kong, Bermuda and the UK.

See Tech Tattle: Page 32 Edward Gomez