Easter, it was revealed yesterday.

For a controversial bid to open Bermuda's fourth bank will go before the House of Assembly in the next session.

And -- if MPs approve the charter bill -- the First International Citizens' Bank of Bermuda will have its doors open by next Easter at the latest.

MPs will discuss the proposed bank, the brainchild of businessman Andre Heyliger's Top Resources Ltd., within the next few weeks.

The new bank aims to compete against the Bank of Bermuda and Bank of Butterfield with full personal and business banking services.

Mr. Heyliger said: "From our point of standpoint, earlier is better than later.

"It's been a long haul road and not without the expected burdens -- but I think we've borne up reasonably well.'' And he added: "Opening the bank before Christmas would be a very good Christmas present for everybody involved.

"But more realistically, it will probably be Easter next year if things go well.'' The Private Member's Bill to establish the bank got its first reading last May.

But since then, it has been on the table of the Joint Select Committee on Private Bills.

Chairman of the committee, Stanley Lowe, however, confirmed the legislation was set to be discussed by MPs in the coming session of the House.

Mr. Heyliger stressed that the Bill still had to be approved by Parliament.

He said: "I have to say we're not being presumptious here -- we certainly value the work of the Private Bills Committee with our Bill and we are talking about prospects should it pass the House. We are not taking anything for granted.'' And he added that, although agreement in principle had been reached with an overseas partner, final contracts had still to be drawn up.

Mr. Heyliger said that suitable premises and management, as well as computer hardware, safety deposit and vault facilities.

But he added: "These are things which will fall into place when we move from approval in principle with our international partners to full agreement.'' The news came as Top Resources Ltd. announced a special forum featuring Washington DC-based author and lecturer in economics and history Claud Anderson, called "Preparing for Change -- Towards the 21st Century.'' Mr. Heyliger said: "One of the reasons we're having this forum is to address some of the concerns the public has about why this has taken so long.'' The Private Members' Bill for a charter for the proposed bank -- introduced by Environment Minister Irving Pearman -- got its first reading last May.

When the bank bid was announced two years ago, Mr. Heyliger said it could create as many as 100 jobs on the Island.

He added that the Island could support another bank -- and that it would enhance the Island's reputation in the global arena.

New bank set for 1999 debut It is understood an international partner has been lined up to support the venture, although the group behind the proposed new bank have refused to reveal its name.

The Royal Gazette understands, however, that the overseas partner is a major North American institution.

The new bank would offer personal banking, commercial banking for Island firms and merchant banking, giving the institution an international flavour.

That would compete directly with the two existing full-service banks, Bermuda and Butterfield.

The Island's third bank, the Bermuda Commercial Bank, services only corporate clients.

Mr., Heyliger sparked controversy when he claimed existing banks were using up their credit with existing personal and business customers by being out ot touch and out of date.

But then-president of the Bank of Bermuda Charles Vaughan-Johnson hit back, saying that "no other organisations put back into the community the significant amounts contributed by the three banks.'' Mr. Lowe said: "We are going to be dealing with it and try and get it off the slate.'' The Top Resources forum will be held at the St. Paul AME Centennial Hall, Court Street, Hamilton, next Thursday, starting at 8 p.m.