Immigration Minister David Burch criticised a major bipartisan report on Bermuda's economy for failing to discuss proposals with his Ministry.

Bermuda First, co-chaired by Premier Ewart Brown and Kim Swan, made 31 recommendations including one that suggested waiving term limits and work permits for occupations that historically have permits approved 100 percent of the time.

But in the Senate on Wednesday, Sen. Burch said: "For instance the disingenuous Bermuda First effort that suggests placing Bermuda for sale is most irritating to me as they did not even have the courtesy of meeting with my Ministry before denouncing the term limit policy."

The report, which canvassed 66 leaders of commerce, non-profit organisations and the public sector, rated Government performance as "weak" and "in need of significant improvement" when it came to accountability and meeting the needs of companies — two areas they said are of "very high importance to businesses".

It made several recommendations on how to improve the international business sector, tourism industry, and social fabric of the Island and ensure the long-term prosperity of the Island.

One recommendation was to waive certain work permits.

The report stated: "In order to hire a non-Bermudian, employers must apply for a permit and demonstrate that no qualified Bermudian is willing and available to take the position.

"Bermuda's Department of Immigration approves 90-95 percent of all work permit applications, in a process that typically takes a month or more.

"The Department of Immigration should waive work-permit and term-limit requirements for occupations and positions that have historically been 100 percent approved. This would speed up the employment process without sacrificing the important objective of employing qualified Bermudians."

Bermuda First was not the only group to criticise term limits for work permits.

David Ezekiel, chairman of the Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC) said term limits were "ill-conceived" and a "major barrier" for businesses during his speech at a Hamilton Rotary Club meeting in November,

In the Senate on Wednesday Sen. Burch said it was "disconcerting" and "dishonest" that business leaders who have indicated that they understood the reason for work permit term limits to the Ministry then "feel the need to recant publicly".

He added: "No amount of political posturing or bullying will move me from the position currently held by this Government.

"Term limits are a Progressive Labour Party Government position not a Ministerial one but any change in this policy must begin with me — so attempts to use the media or other means to pressure me into submission will fail."

A spokeswoman for Bermuda First said yesterday: "As part of a fulsome review of key policies influencing our future success as a jurisdiction and community, the impact of work permit legislation is one of many topics that our sub-committees are in the process of researching. Any dialogue that needs to take place with the Minister and his team will be done directly and in the spirit of open, objective and forthright communication."

ABIC declined to comment.

Opposition Senator Michael Dunkley said: "We are disappointed in the choice of words the Minister chooses from time to time in discussing this matter. Words such as demonise and bullying, which make for interesting reading, do not help in a respectful and normal discourse of an important matter.

And he said: "In a truly democratic society it is accepted practice to be able to have an open discourse on important topics."

He added that the United Bermuda Party fully support the Minister's efforts to balance the needs of business and Bermudians, but urged Sen. Burch "calm the concerns of those in the business community in relation to this policy".