finger at Government over the Portuguese work permits rumpus and said: "You're to blame.'' Mr. Roberts blasted the United Bermuda Party for not stamping firmly on the problem more than 10 years ago.

It had let simmering discontent reach boiling point among long-time contract workers fearful of not having permits renewed, he claimed.

"Government has completely mismanaged the situation,'' Mr. Roberts hit out.

Last week it was disclosed a political pressure group had been formed to help the Portuguese community.

Organisers have called for a mass turn-out at an October 4 meeting to thrash out a campaign strategy.

It is likely to lead to fierce lobbying for a special policy for non-Bermudian residents here a long time.

Mr. John Amaral, chairman of the Portuguese Bermudian Organisation, said this year over 300 Portuguese had been forced off the Island as work permits weren't renewed.

Some have been kicked out after making Bermuda their home for up to 25 years.

"Government needs to be much more sympathetic to these people, particularly those with children,'' he declared.

The group is going to gather statistics on the Portuguese community -- mirroring a fact-finding exercise by Government.

Home Affairs Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman has hinted at possible changes in immigration policy, once the research is complete.

But he has strongly warned against false hopes being raised.

Lawyer Mr. Trevor Moniz, adopted UBP candidate for Smith's South, has also taken up the cause of non-Bermudians.

He, too, is pressing for a policy for expatriates resident more than 15 years here.

Yesterday Mr. Roberts, speaking in the absence of PLP leader Mr. Freddie Wade who was off the Island, waded into Government.

He claimed the problem should have been nipped in the bud following the Warwick Camp constitutional talks over 10 years ago.

During these talks, the United Kingdom Government called for Portuguese residents to apply for British nationality, and subsequently Bermudian status.

But Bermuda's Government failed to set the ball rolling -- and the Portuguese did not file applications, said Mr. Roberts.

"This should have been sorted out a long time ago. Government did not follow through with the advice.'' Pressed about the PLP's current position, Mr. Roberts declined to be specific, but pledged the party would adopt a "humane'' policy.

"Of course, we are concerned for humanity, and the problems of long-term contract workers,'' he said.

"It's Bermuda's problem. Do you just turn your back on these workers?'' Mr. Roberts, however, also stressed the plight of Bermuda's army of unemployed needed to be considered.

"There are people out of work, and we must not forget them. There are simply not enough jobs to go around.'' Mr. Roberts appeared to welcome the new Portuguese Bermudian Organisation -- but urged it to represent other expatriates.

"The Portuguese are not alone over this problem -- there are other nationalities, such as Americans and Englishmen.'' Mr. Walter Roberts MP.