could be ready to launch a widespread clampdown on work permits.

And she is already spreading the word to Bermuda's business leaders that foreign workers can stay "as long as they are needed''.

The new Minister will address the International Business Forum in the New Year in a bid to reassure their fears about permits for non-Bermudians.

Ms Cox told The Royal Gazette she was not about to take the shredding machine to Bermuda's 7,500-plus work permits.

She has already met with the Bermuda Employers Council, the Bermuda International Business Association and the Chamber of Commerce.

And Ms Cox has still to schedule a meeting with David Ezekiel, chairman of the Chamber's International Companies Division.

Mr. Ezekiel gave an exclusive interview to The Royal Gazette shortly after the new Government took power, saying business leaders relished the opportunity to work with them.

But he added that the finance community would watch out for any changes in work permit laws, saying some high-calibre positions could only be filled from overseas.

Ms Cox said she would not rush to change the laws, but said she wanted to see more efforts to boost training for Bermudians.

She added: "Unfortunately, the meeting with Mr. Ezekiel still hasn't been scheduled, but hopefully it will be soon.

"The business community have been asking me for confirmation that there will not be any draconian changes and I have been able to allay their concerns so far.

"There are some long-standing policies in place and really the Immigration Act as it is currently drafted covers the valid points.

"All I want is to make sure there's a commitment from employers that wherever possible, they will hire a suitably qualified Bermudian. We do not want to impede the processes which are already in place.

"Often, some businesses believe there is some kind of plot against them when they come to apply for work permits.

"But that's not the case at all. They usually encounter problems simply because all the important documentation has not been submitted or supplied correctly.

"If firms made every effort to get the paperwork right first time, the perceived hiccups or delays would be removed.

"I don't think there will be any drastic change in the current policy and there will be no marked clampdown on accepting work permits where there is a clear or genuine need.'' She said the Progressive Labour Party's plan centred around making sure companies advertised jobs according to proper requirements and made every effort to hire Bermudians.

Ms Cox added: "If that's in order, there will be no problem with obtaining a work permit for a non-Bermudian.

"There will be no widespread denial of work permits and no wholesale changes or efforts to remove non-Bermudians.

"But we are also making extra efforts of our own to encourage employers to use Bermudians more as a source of employment opportunities.

"We want to stop these perceived `no-go areas' where Bermudians simply don't apply.

"That means raising awareness about skill sets, training opportunities and career paths.'' Mr. Ezekiel said: "I look forward to meeting Ms Cox to discuss these issues at the earliest opportunity.'' Paula Cox Graphic file name: PAULLA