The three major banks have agreed to defer payments from customers made jobless by Hurricane Fabian.

And all credit card customers will be given a three-month deferral on payments until December.

The initiatives were announced as Government, Opposition and business joined to form a Fabian relief front launched yesterday.

Known as the Emergency Assistance Organisation (EAO) it will operate for as long as required, said Premier Alex Scott and he urged the public to chip in.

Premier Alex Scott said EAO spending would be monitored by the Finance Ministry.

He said the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) had worked hard in restoring Bermuda in Fabian's aftermath.

"Hurricane Fabian, however, has left our residents in need of basic and essential supplies and assistance," said Mr. Scott.

He said the new coalition would mirror the EMO in coordinating relief.

The EAO comprises of: the banks, the unions, the Bermuda Hotel Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the construction industry and the Opposition.

The EAO will respond to calls on the Fabian Relief Helpline which was launched on Thursday. Over the weekend another two dozen calls were received, said Health Minister Patrice Minors whose department will coordinate efforts.

She could not give details about what the calls were about but said as time went needs and ways of addressing them would become clearer.

At meetings today she said concerns had been raised about seniors and a decision taken to place advice leaflets at homes, pharmacies and community centres used by old people.

Deputy Premier Ewart Brown will oversee cooperation with the private sector.

Bank of Bermuda chief operating officer Philip Butterfield said the banks' relief programme was designed to be responsible and meet the needs of the community.

People proving they are jobless because of the hurricane can get six-month breaks on paying back loans and mortgages.

"We have agreed the parameters and rules we will apply to respond to persons who have a need for credit and have lost their jobs," said Mr. Butterfield.

He said he didn't believe the general three-month credit card amnesty would be abused and said in general Bermudian credit card holders were responsible about their spending and repayment.

Banks participating in the relief are the Bank of Bermuda, The Bank of Butterfield and Capital G.

Last week the Bank of Bermuda waived fees on emergency loans as people scrambled to pay for home repairs.

Mr. Butterfield said uptake had been modest but he expected it to rise as insurance payments came in and householders were left with the shortfall.

He said the Bank of Bermuda and Butterfield had agreed not to use Fabian's aftermath as an opportunity to compete but instead to collaborate.

Bank of Butterfield chief executive officer Alan Thompson said banks would make sure service for those suffering with hurricane problems would be quick.

Opposition Leader Grant Gibbons said he was pleased Government were willing to let the United Bermuda Party assist.

The UBP will be represented on the EAO by Health spokesman Michael Dunkley and Works and Engineering and Housing spokeswoman Patricia Gordon-Pamplin.

Premier Scott said Government had already waived some import fees at Customs and Planning.

He said partnership was the best way to cope with Fabian-related problems.

"We would certainly welcome (money) from the corporate sector - they are always giving. But this is an opportunity for Mr. and Mrs. Bermuda to play a larger role. It will be monitored by the Ministry of Finance and there will be bankers on board so it will be in very safe keeping."

He said unemployment could be a concern and Government was helping find work for those who had lost jobs.

Mr. Scott said he had met with the owner of a large hotel who was trying to re-deploy staff as it dealt with hurricane damage.

"He said he will try to feed and house them but there may come a moment in financial time when he is pushed to his limit and that's when Government will certainly see if we can play a responsive role," said Mr. Scott.