Economy Minister Kim Wilson today pledged to ensure Bermudian companies are provided with an equal opportunity to compete for work in the hospital redevelopment.Scores of people attended a meeting this morning at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess to hear details of opportunities for taking part in the rebuilding of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.Ms Wilson told the meeting: “The construction industry, like many other sectors in Bermuda is now feeling the impact of the global economic challenge. There is a growing scarcity of new projects which renders the hospital project particularly important to the industry. Your mere presence confirms your interest in participation.“I have invited you here today because the hospital re-development project is of national importance. It is being developed for the residents of Bermuda and we are committed to ensuring that as many Bermudians as possible have the opportunity to participate in its re-development.”Contractors BCM McAlpine shared details with the meeting about issues that are not normally made public such as the project schedule, the projected labour and projected subcontractors and suppliers required.“Certainly I cannot promise that every company represented here today will ultimately be selected to work on this project. Further, I need to make it clear from the outset that in order for this project to be successful some foreign labour will indeed be required. However, I pledge to work to ensure that local companies are provided with an equal opportunity to compete,” added Ms Wilson.And she told the audience: “To be successful however you will have to make some commitments. It’s not business as usual. You and your employees may be required to engage in training in specific areas to develop specialist skills that are essential to the project; skills that you may not already possess.”