and small businessmen was launched yesterday.

The Bermuda Trades Services and Business Association, which claims a membership running into hundreds, is headed by Mr. Dennis DeShields.

Mr. DeShields made headlines recently when he exposed foreign painter and decorator Mr. John Lee, who was kicked off the Island for working at Elbow Beach without a work permit.

Despite this and strong comments from a committee member about some guest workers "raping'' Bermuda, Mr. DeShields denied that his organisation was set up for the purpose of expatriate bashing.

"I have no gripes about foreign workers,'' said Mr. DeShields. "I've worked alongside many of them and have had no problem with that.

"This is all about giving Bermudians opportunities that they are entitled to.

Local workers have been overlooked all too often in the past.'' The organisation was intended to give local workers in all sectors of industry a vehicle to express their feelings on a number of issues affecting the Island, he said.

"There are things going on in the Island which just should not be going on,'' he added. "We've decided enough is enough and we're no longer going to sit here and be taken for granted.

"Our group is here for the small man off the street who may feel that his or her voice is not being heard. They need representation.'' Mr. Dennis Bean, vice-chairman of the group, said there were several instances of Bermudian workers being overlooked for jobs despite having the necessary skills.

"To a great extent, Bermudians have been excluded from a share of the pie and money has gone overseas as a result,'' he said. "Employers and others must stop taking kindness for softness.

"How long do they expect to keep making others comfortable while we are being made miserable. This Island has suffered rape and economic prostitution by folk who have come here and seen the opportunities available to them and then left us.'' Mr. Keith Trott, the organisation's public relations officer, said Bermudians needed to support one another to "fight all the injustices against them''.

"In particular, we should provide effective legislation designed to stop unlawful discrimination against Bermudians,'' he said. "We should no longer evade the issue.'' The Bermuda Trades Services and Business Association is based at Pembroke Community Centre, off North Shore Road. It will be holding its first event at the centre on May 28th, when marketing consultant Mr. Murray Brown will be the guest speaker.