construction industry.

And Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan has also urged employers to keep as many people as possible working over the winter.

Sir John on Thursday promised a "fast track'' for funded projects which can be started at short notice.

He said he believes this will be a stimulus to construction companies who are faced with little work and the prospect of laying workers off.

"Bermuda's construction industry has traditionally been one of the most reliable indicators of the Island's economic well-being,'' Sir John said. "In recent months, however, there has been a dramatic slowdown in the industry caused largely by the severe recession which is affecting Bermuda just as harshly as it is our neighbours.'' He said Government was determined to continue taking steps to help ease the effects of recession by working closely with the Chamber of Commerce to help people who are facing unemployment.

This week he asked employers to review their long-term plans to continue to employ as many people as possible. He said Government will bring forward capital projects like the incinerator, the prison and maintenance of the roads.

Sir John said: "There are several hundred plans that have been approved by the Department of Planning. This is work which, potentially, could get underway in the next few months.

"There are many other projects currently under consideration by the private sector that could be accelerated to provide an added stimulus to the construction industry.

"The Department of Planning has instituted the fast track system for projects that are funded and can be commenced at short notice. Government will do everything it can to get these plans through the planning process as rapidly as possible.'' Sir John said an improved construction industry would mean more employment and would start money circulating through the economy.

He added: "I would like to invite all those who have been thinking about having construction work done to consider proceeding with those plans as soon as possible. We need to get Bermuda mobilised and we need help to do that.''