MPs will today discuss the future of Bermuda's long-term residents.

Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Quinton Edness is set to open debate on a Green Paper, entitled "Long Term Residents of Bermuda'', which was tabled in the House of Assembly in June.

The discussion paper is aimed at easing the plight of long-term residents on the Island.

Mr. Edness asked the public to read the document and make their views known to legislators to ensure the fullest possible debate and the fairest possible solution which took into account protection of the rights of Bermudians and long-term residents.

It was discussed during a series of public meetings since then and Government is expected to produce a White Paper setting out its policy at the conclusion of the debate in the House.

Possibilities raised in the Green Paper include a US-style green card system -- the working resident card -- which would give people the right to work and live on the Island indefinitely, but which would be revocable.

Another solution is an amnesty -- status for residents with at least 20 years on the Island. Alternatively, a possible remedy could be waiving the legal requirement for the three-yearly advertising of jobs held by non-Bermudian residents to provide job security.

Government Whip Rick Spurling said this would be the only matter Government intended to discuss today although the Opposition might bring forth its sole item on the Order Paper.

Health and Social Services Shadow Minister Renee Webb put forward a motion on November 19 which claims a clause in Bermuda's Constitution contravenes International Law and should be removed.

Ms Webb moved that clause 30 1 (a) of Bermuda's constitution discriminates against born Bermudians.

She added that it was at odds with Article 14 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Since the United Kingdom Government is a party to both codes, Ms Webb said their requirements are binding on Bermuda as a British colony.

"My goal is to get the British Government to remove it,'' she told The Royal Gazette .

PLP Warwick West MP Dr. Ewart Brown's detractors say his oath of allegiance to America disqualifies him from sitting in the House according to a literal reading of Clause 30 1 (a).

IMMIGRATION IMM