Business leaders yesterday applauded Immigration Minister David Burch for his Christmas work permits pledge – and looked forward to a solid relationship with Government amid economic difficulties.

Sen. Burch's promise to avoid jeopardising international business with his use of the controversial work permit term limits policy won favour with Chamber of Commerce president Philip Barnett, who said he and colleagues had a better relationship with the Ministry than ever before.

Support for Sen. Burch also came from business leaders David Ezekiel and Cheryl Packwood, who both said they hoped "uncertainty" in the process could now be removed to ease comfort over the six-year limit.

On Sunday evening Sen. Burch said he had approved 95 percent of waivers for international workers in eligible positions and said he told bosses his mentality is: "Ask and, within reason, you will get what you need."

Responding yesterday, Mr. Barnett said: "The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce working in conjunction with the other business organisations, as well as with the Minister directly, has consistently represented our members concerns in regards to term limits.

"While some of our discussions may have been public and heated at times, we feel very confident that Minister Burch truly does understand the ongoing issues that business both local and international, have in regards to term limits.

"The Minister has tirelessly gone over and above in his efforts to continue to dialogue with us on this critical issue, and the Chamber can honestly say that our respect for both the Minister and all the team at the Ministry has never been higher.

"The improvement in work permit processing, and the continual improvement in timely and effective communication between employers and the Department of Immigration particularly, truly deserves a big public slap on the back and loud 'well done'.

"In these trying global economic times, the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce feels that we can honestly say that we are working together with the Ministry of Labour as well as we ever have, and as a true collaborating partnership in the continual strengthening of Bermuda's position as a leading global domicile for international business.

"We agree wholeheartedly with Minister Burch that Bermuda is indeed open for business, and we look forward to our ongoing dialogue with the Minister on term limits, so as to reassure international business and thus our members, many whom specifically rely on Bermuda domiciled international companies for the lion's share of their local business and ongoing viability, that Bermuda not only needs our international friends here, but most importantly wants them here."

Association of International Business Companies president, Mr. Ezekiel said: "I was involved in the discussions with the Minister on behalf of ABIC alongside our partners the Bermuda Employers Council and the Bermuda Hotel Association.

"The discussions were open, frank and productive and while we still have some way to go on achieving the ideal outcome on term limits for the benefit of Bermuda and Bermudians, I am extremely encouraged by the Minister's statement. I believe this is a Minister who listens to all sides of an issue and as we continue to develop a dialogue and trust, I believe we will see the Government/private enterprise partnership working for the benefit of Bermuda now and in the future.

"The Minister accurately describes the current application of the term limit policy, where Government has heard our arguments and reasons and provided great flexibility. What is missing at the moment, however, is the removal of uncertainty for the intellectual talent we need to attract and retain, which we believe is crucial. I am hopeful that we will continue to see movement which will benefit our members, their employees and the entire community."

Bermuda International Business Association CEO Ms Packwood said: "It is heartening to hear the recognition of the importance of international business to Bermuda's economy and the employment of Bermudians.

"We believe that in economic times like these that Government and the international business community can, and must, work together to ensure the long-term viability and prosperity of Bermuda.

"While Minister Burch has offered words of reassurance, there is still some uncertainty in the process and so this issue must continue to be addressed so that international business can continue to grow and succeed in Bermuda."

Bermuda Employers' Council president Graham Redford said: "We view this as a strong statement in support of business. The fact that the Minister has clearly articulated the importance of business and the challenges employers face is very welcome.

"As the Minister says, we have developed a good working relationship with him and we believe this will continue, for everyone's benefit. The challenges that our economy faces in the coming months and years cannot be overstated. If Bermuda is to continue in its economic success, business organisations and Government will need to work together in the manner that is developing with Minister Burch.

"The Minister has been receptive to information we have put to him and he continues to deal with issues in an open minded and practical way. We look forward to further meetings in the New Year and we anticipate that the frankness and developing trust that has characterised our meetings thus far will lead to further progress going forward."

Construction Association of Bermuda president Alex DeCouto said Sen. Burch's comments were very consistent with anecdotal evidence he had heard from the business community: that any company with a reasonable case for extensions which has made efforts to find and train Bermudians will be given due consideration.