should improve its image. We think two things have to be remembered. The first is that the Immigration Department has a highly difficult and thankless job which lends itself to conflicts. In the natural functioning of the Immigration Department, decisions are made which would not be good for anyone's image. The second is that Government has seldom had a taste for good public relations. A failure to explain decisions to the people too often leads to rumours and misconceptions and the suggestion that Bermudians are being badly done by.

Immigration officials are caught between employers who feel the Immigration Department unnecessarily deprives them of the trained staff they need to run their businesses in an increasingly sophisticated Bermuda, and job-hunting Bermudians who too often complain that they are deprived of jobs for which they believe they are qualified. Not all Bermudians are qualifed to do the jobs they aspire to and are naturally disappointed when they are turned down for a job. Some Bermudian businesses however are disturbed because they think, perhaps incorrectly, that non-Bermudian companies have an easier time getting work permits than they do.

Businesses do require qualifed staff to function well and often want staff already trained as opposed to trainable. Quite naturally they are concerned with their own success just as individuals are concerned with success.

Where jobs are concerned, Government subscribes to the concept of Bermuda for Bermudians first. That is clearly the correct stand and the stand which the great majority of Bermudians want Government to take. In theory it works but it falls down when people demand jobs for which they are not suited.

Immigration has a duty to see that corporate Bermuda can staff itself just as it has a duty to see that Bermudians get first crack at jobs.

In the natural course of events, Immigration officials are caught in the conflict between these two "sides''. Bad publicity can and does arise because Immigration officials are in a situation where they simply cannot win. We think that far too often the public is unaware of just how difficult it is to satisfy the needs of Bermudians to work and progress and businesses needs for a smooth and well-staffed operation.

We are constantly told that Bermuda's economy is heavily served by exempt companies. Many of these companies are sophisticated and require competent staff. Tiny Bermuda cannot, and cannot always be expected to, supply the talent required. Therefore there will probably never be a time when it is not necessary to grant work permits. We think most Bermudians accept that. Bermuda has made huge strides in education and training and huge strides in the area of jobs for Bermudians.

Confusion and conflict arises in the public's mind when it is not clear why a Bermudian has been refused a job and a work permit granted. Sometimes the explanation is very simple. We think that today there are very, very few instances where Bermudians are deprived of jobs they can successfully fill but that needs to be explained.