tongue-lashing yesterday.

Health and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness brushed aside flak over the $125-a-plate dinner.

He stressed the dinner would help pay for workshops to help Bermuda's youth.

The mega-star is said to be the world's highest paid entertainer, earning $50 million a year.

It is hoped he will launch the workshops with a major speech and attend at least one of them.

Tickets for the workshops cost just $30 -- certainly "not a great deal'', said Mr. Edness.

He lashed out: "I wish to say any criticisms that have been made have been completely without foundation.

"They have been made by irresponsible people who themselves do not have the wherewithal to make this kind of contribution to our community.'' He appealed: "Let us not criticise like empty vessels. Let us cooperate because this is a worthwhile cause for the community.'' Mr. Edness believed Dr. Cosby could help Bermudian youngsters -- some of whom he came across as a Minister.

"As a political leader of this Country I urge all responsible people to make these workshops the success they ought to be.

"As a Social Services Minister I have the interests and welfare of our young people at heart.'' The Cosby visit has been organised by the Bermuda National Educational Conference Committee and the Bermuda Union of Teachers.

They are flying the entertainer here for Saturday's banquet at the Southampton Princess. Organisers say the workshops are aimed at encouraging parents to become more involved in their kids' education.

It is also hoped parents will be motivated to tackle problems facing youngsters.

Cosby holds a Ph.D. in education and has published several books on parenting.

He has also worked a great deal with parents, especially fathers.

One of the fiercest critics of the visit has been autograph collector Mr. Leon Edmead.

He said the black-tie bash would be beyond the reach of Bermuda's "have-nots'' and youth.

Working class people, single parents and troubled teens -- those most needing help -- would miss out.

Just middle-class folk would be able to attend, claimed Mr. Edmead.

Chairman of the conference committee Mr. Melvyn Bassett later defended Cosby's visit.

He pointed out the six morning workshops would be open to the public.

They will include talks by Police, anti-drugs campaigners, and family and probations services.

Yesterday Mr. Edness said the organisers were planning to address "critical'' issues facing young people, families, and "by extension the community at large''.

"This is an important and well planned conference from which a great deal of good will flow that will help our community in the future.

"Inviting Dr. Bill Cosby as guest speaker at the banquet was an attempt to get a distinguished person that causes most parents, if not all, to want to participate in the workshops on Saturday, if not to attend the dinner itself,'' he said.