Age discrimination should be outlawed before the turn of the century.

Human Rights Commission executive director Kenneth Dill stressed this to The Royal Gazette after a 51-year-old Bermudian complained of not being able to find a full-time job despite having Bachelor's and Master's degrees in business administration.

Working far below her skill level, the middle-aged person -- who did not wish to be identified for fear of further negative repercussions -- has received rejection letters from more than 25 employers who claimed that it was due to overqualification or the lack of required years of experience.

Yet, according to some of the letters shown to The Royal Gazette , many of the personnel officials who interviewed the person were impressed by the credentials and noted that the person would be an "asset to any organisation''.

"We had a number of very well qualified applicants for this position of which you were one,'' wrote one firm. "However, we were able to offer the position to an individual whose experience more closely matched our requirements.

"This is in no way a reflection on the quality of your skills or experience.

Your background is excellent and with your strengths you will be an asset to any organisation you join.

"On a personal note I enjoyed meeting you and will be happy to keep your resume on file in the event a more suitable opportunity becomes available.'' Call for end to age discrimination Another company wrote: "Thank you for your application for the above position. They.. were most impressed with your resume, but regrets that on this occasion your application was not successful. We should, however, like your permission to retain your details on file should a vacancy become available.'' "I have stayed up late at nights writing cover letters and I have nothing to show for it,'' said the frustrated Bermudian who has reference letters from prominent executives and has applied for jobs in the private and public sectors.

"It seems as if I have been cursed for trying to upgrade myself.

"It is as if they are saying: How dare you try to improve yourself? "I cannot continue to survive on my salary. Why did I go and get myself in debt to upgrade my skills?'' And wondering just how many others, young and old, were living the nightmare, the discouraged local asked: "How many Bermudians have graduated from renowned universities throughout the world, returned home, and have to drive taxis or work at the MarketPlace and their parents have gone into debt paying their fees? "How many qualified Bermudians are out of work and how does this compare against the 7,000 work permit holders? "How do you get experience if you cannot get your foot in the door?'' "I've got a family to support,'' the person added. "The law says I'm supposed to retire at 65, so why are they putting me out to pasture now? "Why as a people are we sitting back and being door mats on this subject?'' And the once-vibrant worker wants others facing the same predicament to make their voices heard.

After facing rejection day after day it becomes weary and the fight against the system takes its toll on one's health.

The Bermudian conceded: "I have gone from granite to stone to rubber and I see sand at my doorstep. And if I reach salt then I'll be in St. Brendan's.

This has taken a toll on me. It is debilitating on my health.

"Are you to be punished because you're mature and you decided as an adult to break the glass ceiling? "Whether it is a 21 year old or 51 year old who decides to pursue a degree, what's wrong with their country when they return and cannot find work despite their qualifications and financial support they received from Government for their education.'' Never afraid of hard work, the despondent local yearns to find a challenging position which requires mental stimulation.

"Give me something where I can say I'm learning now,'' the desperate Bermudian said. "Don't leave me to stagnate. Don't tell me I can't. That's not a part of my vocabulary.'' When asked what can be done for those in a similar situation, the eager Bermudian said: "I want to ring the bell to say that everybody who is in their fifties or younger and does not have a job step forward. And we should not go to the polls until our situation is addressed.

"If the graduate is too afraid to step forward, then I want the person who pays the bills to do so.

"I want us as a people to go forward as one voice in the wilderness crying, where do we go from here? "Does the business sector realise the financial, emotional, and physical damage that this wreaks on Bermuda's households?'' Mr. Dill confirmed that there was no provision under the Human Rights Act with respect to age discrimination.

"However, the Minister is looking at this,'' he said. "He has received legislation on this from other countries.'' Mr. Dill estimated that the Commission received at least 15 to 20 complaints and inquiries about age discrimination annually.

"Primarily inquiries come from people who are retiring,'' he said. "In an informal basis we will call an employer as to whether they will retain them (the senior employees). In some instances they will listen, some don't. But they have that right until the Act is amended.'' "The Human Rights Commission has recommended to the Minister that age discrimination be addressed promptly,'' he added.

"Age discrimination may well be contrary to the spirit of the legislation, but right now there is no expressed provision against it.'' Human Affairs Minister Jerome Dill was off the Island.

And The Labour Ministry's Manager of Training and Employment Naomi Schroter said it would be "very labour intensive'' to provide unemployment statistics of Bermudians between the ages of 21 to 31 and 50 to 65, as requested by The Royal Gazette .

Only Labour officer Karen Trott could provide such statistics, Mrs. Schroter said, and she was busy.

She referred inquiries on employment to the Statistics Department, but added that the majority of people seeking assistance through the Labour Department were 30 to 45 years old.