Party.

And a new label and logo could be part of the rebuilding programme embarked on by the party in the wake of its hammering at the polls last month.

Opposition leader Pamela Gordon said: "We have to address the suggestions which have been made -- one long-term member said he never supported the name.

"A part of the strategic plan may involve a name change -- there are many black Bermudians who perceive that this is a party which blacks join for personal gain.'' A name using "Labour'' is out of the question, while "Liberal'' is already taken.

But "Democratic'' would be in line with the image Ms Gordon was trying to create for the party before it was turfed out of power in November.

Ms Gordon said that the first think-tank to give the UBP a new look would take place at the upcoming AGM.

She added: "We carry the baggage, the perception, that the UBP is a racist party, a white party, and that blacks who join it are deemed to be no longer black.

"I see that as very old school thinking, very much yesterday's thinking -- I believe the Bermuda of tomorrow is going to be a place where colour is going to be less and less of a problem.'' But Ms Gordon added a change of name would mean nothing without a major revamp of the party's philosophy and structure as well.

She said: "We are looking at changing the constitution and the entire structure -- the way the party operates.'' But Ms Gordon stressed: "This is not a decision which Pam Gordon has to make -- it's a decision the party has to make.'' And a further change to give the party teeth to chew up rebels -- who plagued the last UBP administration -- could also be in the pipeline.

The UBP suffered from backbench rebellions over Independence and the long-running battle by ex-UBP Premier Sir John Swan to bring a McDonald's burger franchise to Bermuda.

UBP could change name Ms Gordon said: "It's time to reassess whether the structure of the UBP will work in the year 2000 and beyond or if it's time to restructure.'' She added: "We may have someone in a branch who is an independent operator and the branch supports them -- and another person who is equally independent and the branch doesn't back them.'' Ms Gordon said: "We may keep the same basic structure, but it could be improved at central level. The problem is, the way the constitution is drawn up, once a candidate is elected, it's almost as if you can't touch them.

"Once they're elected, there is a degree of autonomy which means they can say `I was put there by the people -- you can't tell me what to do'.'' And she added: "We have to examine how we can better look at the constitution we have to make sure it works better going forward.''