A Government MP demanded proof from Opposition MP Ewart Brown that he had indeed dropped his US citizenship as claimed earlier this month.

Dr. Brown held a press conference recently where he announced that he had surrendered his US passport and performed the oath of renunciation in an effort to end controversy over his right to sit in the House of Assembly.

But Warwick West MP Dr. Brown insisted he was legally in the right in holding a seat in the House and was safe under the Bermuda Constitution.

And he said the Constitution should be amended to remove problems for dual citizenship Bermudians in the future.

But Government Whip Quinton Edness stated: "Dr. Brown hasn't shown proof to the people of Bermuda that he's given up his US citizenship.'' Mr. Edness said Dr. Brown should have renounced his US citizenship in the presence of the media and other witnesses -- instead of holding a press conference after the fact.

And he questioned whether Dr. Brown had actually handed over his passport to the US Government.

According to Mr. Edness, even if Dr. Brown performed the oath of renunciation, reclaiming US citizenship was not a difficult process.

"For all practical purposes, you don't really give up citizenship -- you have a long period, it may be as long as ten years, under which you can make a phone call and get it back.'' Mr. Edness said there were other issues that needed to be looked into, such as whether those who renounce US citizenship remain in the same tax structure.

When contacted yesterday, Dr. Brown retorted: "I have been straightforward with what I have done...it is not important what Mr. Edness thinks about my honesty.

"If he believes that I have not done what I said I would do, then he should do whatever he and his owners tell him to do.'' IMMIGRATION IMM