fight against Bermuda's immigration laws.

The recently-formed Portuguese Bermudian Organisation has spoken to representatives of other groups aiming to improve conditions.

At a meeting attended by 400 people in Pembroke, the organisation set out a number of goals which it hopes Government will incorporate into their immigration policies.

Chairman Mr. John Amaral met Labour and Immigration Minister, the Hon. Irving Pearman, to put the points to him.

Problems have arisen this year after some 300 Portuguese people were forced off the Island when their work permits were not renewed. Some had been in Bermuda for more than 25 years.

Mr. Amaral said: "We have spoken to the Minister and he was receptive to our suggestions but he could not give us any answers.

"He promised to look at individual cases where there is hardship but what we really want is some sort of overall policy.'' Mr. Amaral said that the Portuguese community was leading the way in setting up a pressure group to fight laws it sees as unfair.

He said: "We have had a lot of interest from groups of non-Bermudians other than the Portuguese. While we have been striving to achieve better conditions for our people, the changes we are trying to bring about will benefit others.

"Other nationalities are considering setting up their own organisations and we welcome their input and support. We need to work together to make our claims stronger.'' The goals of the Portuguese Bermudian Organisation include: Reducing the age, from 21 to 18, at which a Bermudian-born non-Bermudian can apply for status.

Offering students either born in Bermuda or living here since the age of six, while still in school, equal opportunities when applying for scholarships and the ability to work without the necessity of immigration requiring that their jobs be advertised.

Allowing non-Bermudians, who have lived here more than 15 years, to renew work permits without being advertised.

Giving preference to residing non-Bermudains for jobs before applying for new imported labour.

Allowing non-Bermudian widowed spouses of Bermudians to keep the same conditions and privileges they enjoyed before their spouse's death.