The need for drastic action to save the Island's struggling economy will be the focus of MPs' attention at the House of Assembly today.

United Bermuda Party Leader Kim Swan is to open a debate about the Bermuda First report which calls for major reform and suggests wealthy residents should be given permanent residency to encourage them to invest in Bermuda.

Mr. Swan, who co-chaired the report along with Premier Ewart Brown and ArielRe boss Don Kramer, told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "The debate of this report and the execution of its recommendations is particularly important considering the economic challenges Bermuda currently faces."

He described the report, put together by six leaders in Bermuda's commercial, public and non-profit sectors, as a "call to action" to ensure people don't take growth in reinsurance and insurance sectors for granted.

The report's foreword, signed by the three co-chairs, states: "We now face greater competition from year-round getaways, and we have far less overnight capacity than we used to.

"Meanwhile, we continue to face difficulty creating attractive opportunities for all Bermudians, with naggingly persistent school dropout rates and far too few Bermudians who are qualified for middle-class jobs.

"The most recent global financial crisis and economic downturn have accentuated many of these challenges, showing cracks in Bermuda's economic and social foundations."

A number of politicians are expected to have their say on the subject, with Dr. Brown telling this newspaper yesterday: "Even though I would have preferred to join with the Leader of the Opposition to bring this Bermuda First motion, I am delighted to have the opportunity to discuss this most important work."

The debate will follow second readings for at least three pieces of legislation, although none are expected to spark controversial discussions.

Two relate to the 2010 census: the Statistics Act (2010 Census) Order; and the Statistics Act (2010 Census) Regulations.

Presented by the Premier, the legislation establishes that Bermuda's census takes place on Thursday, May 20, with questions ranging from health matters to what type of Internet connection people have.

The Opposition may say this brings into question the timing of the recent Boundary Commissions report, which is now almost completed using old data from 2000.

Dr. Brown will also give a second reading to the Hotels Concession (Grotto Bay Beach Resort) Order. This is a tax break as part of Government's attempts to make the Island's hotels more competitive.