Tourism Minister Renee Webb should have been given new responsibilities, was the Opposition United Bermuda Party's (UBP) initial reaction to yesterday's Cabinet shuffle.

Yesterday, however, Premier Alex Scott said that he and the Tourism Minister were keen to have a review conducted into allegations concerning her handling of her departments.

UBP Leader Grant Gibbons added that he was pleased with Paula Cox's appointment as Finance Minister, but had some concerns about the level of experience of the Premier's appointees for Attorney General and the Works and Engineering Ministry.

"The change that a lot of people in the community were hoping for was a change on Tourism. That didn't happen," Dr. Gibbons said.

"The Cabinet shuffle was obviously orchestrated to allow Paula Cox to take on the Finance portfolio which I think was a good choice. I certainly wish her well in her responsibilities. I think it signals a certain understanding by the Premier that it was very difficult for one individual to properly handle the AG's portfolio and a full-time job.

"That being said ... we have two individuals, one of whom has not been in Cabinet before and the other who has not had a lot of experience has taken on a lot of responsibility in the Works and Engineering department. And it remains to be seen how they handle their responsibilities."

He added that both the AG's Chambers and the Works Ministry had outstanding issues.

"There is a lot of concern about the need for change and reform in the criminal justice system and there are a lot of outstanding issues in Works and Engineering not only falling from the Fabian clean-up and aftermath but also issues related to the Berkeley school project. Fortunately the new Minister has one advantage in having a very solid civil service team behind him."

Ms Webb has been facing a revolt of sorts from some civil servants within the Tourism department.

"It was obvious to most people that the Minister had completely burned her bridges with her civil service staff and it was going to be very difficult for her to properly carry out her responsibilities," Dr. Gibbons continued.

"In addition to that there had been effectively no real improvement in tourism."

Premier Alex Scott and Tourism Minister Renee Webb are keen to have a review into allegations surrounding her stewardship of both the Telecommunications department and Tourism, the Premier said last night.

Asked his level of confidence in Ms Webb's abilities, the Premier said that she was "a very capable Minister.

He added: "She's a very bright minister, quick mind. Tourism is too important at this time for us to let it get bogged down in any intrigue. So we will clear the air and let her get on with the job."