Just weeks after teachers received a new pay package, the Ministry of Education is trying to recruit Jamaican teachers to the Island - some of whom are already embroiled in a dispute over money with the Jamaican government.

According to BBC reports, on February 21 several newspapers in Kingston carried advertisements seeking teachers for Bermuda's primary, middle and senior schools on three-year contracts.

While some of the teaching stints are due to start this September, offers are also being made for January and September 2004.

Successful applicants will be paid between $54,000 and $73,000 per year in addition to a range of other benefits.

Bermuda joins the US and the UK, who have actively sought Jamaican educators. Over the last two years, over 500 teachers have been recruited to the two countries to fill teaching vacancies.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica Teacher's Association (JTA) has been involved in a pay dispute with its government since last year.

The matter came to a head earlier this month when teachers across the island took industrial action resulting in the closure of scores of primary and secondary schools.

Further negotiations are expected next week at Jamaica's Finance Ministry in an effort to reach a new pay package.

President of the JTA, Sadie Comrie said Bermuda's remuneration package could prove attractive for state-paid teachers.

“I will not be surprised in the light of what's happening now. It will not be surprising if more teachers really opt to go to foreign countries to work. I will not be surprised if they take up the offer,” Ms Comrie said.