to be allowed to bring in workers on a short-term basis to deal with a staffing shortage this summer.

The hotel is struggling to fill around 30 places and wants to be allowed to bring in the workers for six months.

Hotel manager Allan Trew said the hotel would be probably looking to regions such as the Caribbean, which has its off-season during the summer, for workers.

The staff shortages arose because the hotel had been mainly closed during the winter for renovations, but it has been unable to attract local staff for summer.

Mr. Trew said the hotel hoped the closures of other properties such as the Marriott Castle Harbour would have resulted in staff being available.

He said: "The biggest problem we're finding in Bermuda is trying to get staff during the summer months.

"We thought, and we had hoped, with the closures of other properties that there (would be more staff) but it hasn't worked out that way, and it's not just in this hotel.

"We are entertaining the idea of going overseas to the type of destinations where the season runs opposite to us. We've started discussions with the Immigration Department.'' Mr. Trew said the staff would be needed for May to October and the new staff would not be here for more than six months.

The Fairmont Hamilton Princess general manager Michael Kaile said the new workers would not present a threat to Bermudians or overseas staff on longer- term work permits.

"The application hinges on getting staff in on a six-month basis for the summer and fall,'' he said.

"They are not staying on during times of low business which means we can ensure the security of Bermudian jobs all year round and those on longer-term work permits.'' Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox could not be contacted for comment yesterday.