Hoteliers and Government have been in talks to ensure Bermudians are made the priority when the credit crunch results in job losses, Finance Minister Paula Cox said yesterday.

The Deputy Premier said that is one of a number of initiatives across several ministries aimed at helping the Island weather the economic storm over the next 12 months.

Both Opposition parties had accused Government of failing to offer the public reassurance by explaining how Bermuda can cope with the recession which many predict will make 2010 a tough year.

Yesterday, Ms Cox told a press conference the Ministry of Labour was making a "considered commitment" to ensuring there are opportunities for Bermudians when redundancies hit.

"That's been the focus of discussions with the hotel sector," Ms Cox told the media.

She said Government was looking at deferral relief to the hotel sector so that the industry could remain sustainable "notwithstanding that tourism has taken a battering".

After 150 redundancies were announced at Elbow Beach last month, Acting Labour Minister Walter Roban said services such as job placement and career guidance were in place at the Department of Labour and Training.

Ms Cox said legislation is also in the pipeline which will give "further assistance to those who are needing some additional help", while an employment insurance initiative was being adapted due to teething problems.

"We want to keep good ship Bermuda afloat, and also take care of those who can't take care of themselves," she said.