comment'' response to a call for an investigation into allegations that attempts were made to improperly influence the work of the Human Rights Commission.

The allegations surfaced last March when a complaint against the Bank of Bermuda was dismissed by the Commission without a hearing -- and according to the complainant, Harold Darrell, without good reason.

The case involved allegations of racial discrimination. Mr. Darrell, CEO of Hardell Group, later filed a Supreme Court writ against the Commission and obtained a consent order requiring the Commission to reopen the case.

Shadow Development and Opportunity Minister Allan Marshall said that Mr.

Lister, as the minister with responsibility for the Commission, should launch an investigation and reassure the public that the integrity of the Commission is intact. "I am very disturbed that somewhere along the path of this complaint, a stumbling block arose. And if it wasn't for the fortitude of the complainant and even his financial resources in hiring a lawyer -- perhaps it would not have gone back on track,'' he said.

"I'm saying I'm not going to comment,'' said Mr. Lister when pressed for a response. "The Human Rights Commission will get on with its job as it always has.'' Human Rights Commission Executive Director Neville Darrell moved to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions following the allegations against the Commission.

David Wilson currently acts as the Executive Director. But neither Mr. Lister nor Mr. Darrell would elaborate on the reasons for the move.

"It's a very delicate time and it would be very unwise for me to make a statement at this time,'' said Mr. Darrell, when first asked why he was no longer at the Commission.

Mr. Lister said: "I can't comment.''