PREMIER Alex Scott remained silent yesterday over whether he backs Works & Engineering and Housing Minister David Burch's stated wish to see Governor Sir John Vereker recalled.

Sen. Burch's blistering attack on Britain's representative on the island followed his objections over the fairness of the process which led to the appointment of William White as the new Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment last month.

Sen. Burch said in the Senate on May 31 that the selection committee should have been chaired by a former Bermuda Regiment Commanding Officer instead of civilian Garry Madeiros, as he said had always happened in the past.

After the Senate meeting, Sen. Burch told : "I want the next process not to be abused as it has been in this case. The steps that you do in order to achieve that are to remove the chairman of the defence board and I would go further and say it is time for the Governor to be recalled.

"He is the ultimate one who has made a decision that runs contrary to the recommendations of the board. The person who won every contest they had is not the CO today."

Labour & Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton later rejected his ministerial colleague's claim that the selection process had been unfair.

But whether Sen. Burch's demand for Sir John's recall was a political gaffe or whether it is the Government's true position has not yet been cleared up by a Premier who has remained silent on the issue for three weeks.

Yesterday, we gave Mr. Scott the chance to clear up the matter by asking two questions: Does the Premier believe that the appointment of the Regiment CO was fair? And: Does the Premier agree with Sen. Burch that the Governor should be recalled?

We received no response by press time.

Opposition Senate Leader Kim Swan said this week that the Cabinet was obliged to speak with one voice under the constitutional rule of collective responsibility.

When he raised the issue in the Senate on Wednesday, Government Senators countered by saying that freedom of speech was enshrined in the Constitution.

Sen. Swan said yesterday that unless the Premier spoke out to contradict Sen. Burch's outburst, the public should conclude that the Government wants the Governor to be recalled, Sen. Swan said yesterday.

"The Premier is contravening the Constitution that sets out the Cabinet system of collective responsibility," Sen. Swan said yesterday.

"Which Minister is speaking for the Government, Sen. Burch or Minister Horton? And does the Government want the Governor to be recalled? No one knows because the Premier won't say.

"He is violating the same Constitution that allows him to lead the country. As leader, it is his duty to step up to the plate and speak out.

"Violating the Constitution is a very serious matter. If Bermuda allows the Government to ride rough-shod over the Constitution on this issue, it is giving them a licence to do it again ? and then it could seriously affect you or me."

Sen. Swan added: "The blame for this mess has now shifted from the Minister to the Premier. He has had ample time to state what the Government's position is and it is his responsibility to do it."