Long-term residents seeking a secure future on the Island will tonight get another chance to discuss a Government discussion paper aimed at easing their plight.

Minister of Education and Deputy Prime Minister Jerome Dill will chair the meeting, to be held at Somerset's St. James' Church Hall.

The first of the meetings was held in Hamilton, chaired by Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness, two weeks ago.

More than 200 people packed Cathedral Hall to discuss the emotive issues surrounding offering long-term residents a future, while protecting the rights of Bermudians.

Mr. Edness said: "I was very pleased by the attendance at our first meeting.

This indicates that there is considerable interest in the subject and that all segments of the community want to express their views.

"I am hoping that the meeting in Somerset will be as successful and generate additional constructive feedback.'' Mr. Edness added that he wanted to hear from both long-term residents and Bermudians before the Green Paper on the issue is debated in the House of Assembly in the next session.

He said: "It's important that all views be represented so that they may be considered in any policy decisions which are made.'' Joining Mr. Dill in Somerset will be Government Senate Leader and Chairman of the Immigration Board Sen. Gary Pitman and the Chief Immigration Officer Martin Brewer.

The Somerset meeting starts at 8 p.m., with the final meeting scheduled for the Town Hall, St. George's, at the same time next Wednesday.

Options up for discussion include blanket awards of status to people who have lived in Bermuda for more than 20 years, a one-year amnesty giving a one-off chance for status and a "green card'' system similar to that in operation in the US.

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