Walton Brown, the Shadow Minister for Immigration, has expressed support for the decision to allow emergency processing of work permits to assist with hurricane recovery efforts.

In a statement, Mr Brown said the decision, intended to facilitate bringing key technical support for the Island in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricane Gonzalo, would be of “immense benefit” in helping the Island get back on its feet.

“A number of companies will need highly skilled specialists to ensure a quick return to normal — BELCO chief among them — and Government is wise to put this in place,” Mr Brown said. “Given the climate, it is important to state this policy is only meant to apply for skilled, specialist personnel directly needed to address the hurricane inflicted damage.”

However he said that efforts must be made to make sure that Bermudians are hired whenever possible, suggesting that Government restrict permits for general labour workers until steps are taken to retain available locals.

He also urged Government to collaborate with Workforce Development, Hustle Truck and other helping bodies to hire unemployed Bermudians and partner with the Bermuda Industrial Union to access the “reservoir of long term unregistered unemployed”.

“Out of the adversity of Fay and Gonzalo could be opportunities for a number of long suffering unemployed Bermudians, who have lost much in the recession and not benefited from OBA employment policies, to not only work, but help restart communities and the Island,” Mr Roban said.

“We must do everything to give them the first opportunity to work again.”