While there is a waiting list to get into Government-owned seniors residences, the Bermuda Housing Corporation yesterday denied any preferential treatment was given to a Government Minister's father who secured accommodation at Ferguson Park.

Vance Campbell, general manager of the quango, said the general list for BHC properties indicated that Ferguson Park, which offers single unit accommodation to seniors, is one of the apartment complexes in demand.

When asked for numbers on the waiting list, Mr. Campbell said he could not “speak to the number” but that clients who come to the BHC are assessed by their situation and their names are put on the list.

Traditionally, when people are given the option for BHC housing, and find it suitable to their needs, Mr. Campbell said they rarely move back into the private housing sector.

Housing Minister Ashfield DeVent said yesterday there were 40 people on the BHC's emergency housing list and 63 regular applicants.

On Wednesday, Health Minister Patrice Minors held a Press conference in response to allegations that her father, Kingsley Francis, had received preferential treatment in getting into the Ferguson Park complex after learning he had to move from Anchorage Road in St. George's.

The Anchorage Road units are to be renovated by the BHC and then placed back on the rental market. All tenants who have been living there will be displaced, however.

The controversy over Mrs. Minors' father arose when the United Bermuda Party raised the issue in the House of Assembly this week.

Mrs. Minors said on Wednesday that she did not get involved in the relocation of her father but admitted to making telephone calls to the Housing Minister and to the BHC chairman, and then following up with an e-mail on his behalf.

Mr. Francis was found to meet the criteria for a Ferguson Park unit and moved in last week but other displaced Anchorage Road tenants say they have only been offered sub-standard housing.

The tenants must move by next week to allow planned construction work to begin.

Asked if there was a waiting list for Ferguson Park, Mr. Campbell said there is a general list of people in need of accommodation.

The displaced tenants from Anchorage Road are a top housing priority for the quango, however, he added.

“We don't separate applicants for Ferguson Park out of the general list,” said Mr. Campbell.

“We are not showing favouritism to anyone from Anchorage Road but what we are trying to do is relocate people instead of evict.

“These Anchorage Road residents are ranked high up on the priority list along with other emergency situations.”

Mr. Campbell said the Ferguson Park complex is now filled to capacity.