Premier accused of conflict of interest

OPPOSITION MP Trevor Moniz is questioning why Premier Ewart Brown plans to shut down a health clinic for the needy while opening up his own health facility. Mr. Moniz claimed that Dr. Brown has a conflict of interest in pushing for the closure of the Medical Clinic while operating his own private practice and moving ahead with plans to open up a second facility. Government plans to farm out the clinic's patients to private practices across the island, claiming that the current set-up undermines the dignity of patients. But Mr. Moniz said: "Premier Brown should explain to the people of Bermuda any connection between his drive to shut down the Medical Clinic and his plans to open a new medical facility at Winterhaven. The closure decision, along with the Government's plan to establish satellite clinics in the east and west ends, give rise to the appearance of a conflict of interest. The official rationale for the closure - that the clinic undermines patient dignity - is a false issue that raises questions about Government's real motivation for the closure." Dr. Brown, who has remained tight-lipped about how the new system will work, refused to respond to the claims.

Experts reject Southlands plan

LEADING Civil Servants have condemned plans to build a five star hotel on the Southlands property in Warwick, stating that it is "irresponsible". Two reports written by Environment Ministry officials and submitted to Planning, claim that the controversial development presents "significant direct threats to local wildlife, challenges future conservation efforts and impinges on several protected zones". The reports added that the hotel structure would be "highly vulnerable to inundation during extreme hurricane conditions" while the development's residential units would be built "in the heart of the Woodland Reserve". One of the reports concludes: "This department is compelled to object to this application in the strongest possible terms." Anti-development campaigners say the reports will be an embarrassment to Premeir Ewart Brown, who has backed the proposal. Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield has yet to make a decision on the plan, which was submitted under a Special Development Order.

Burch denies 'monsters' remark

GOVERNMENT Senator David Burch has denied that he claimed squatters illegally living in an abandoned hotel "monsters". During Monday's Senate debate, Sen. Burch said that he had been misquoted in a Royal Gazette article last week which reported him as saying: "If you ever expect to govern those very same people you have turned into thinking Government will be my mamma, my nanny and change my diapers and do everything for me will be the same monsters that we are having to deal with today." On Monday Sen. Burch said that he had in fact charged Opposition Senator Gina Spence Farmer with "creating a monster" by allegedly encouraging people to break the law. "You encourage people to break the law - you are creating a monster. I'm not calling anyone a monster," he added.

Anti-racism campaigners march

THE Commission for Unity and Racial Equality held a day of events to highlight the battle against racism on Wednesday. Politicians, community groups and members of the public joined CURE representatives to celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of racial Discrimination. The day kicked off with a proclamation outside Cabinet, where Deputy Premier Paula Cox read an international proclamation. "With the collective efforts of men and women of courage, conviction and commitment, we ca1n make a difference. Campaigners then marched to the CURE offices on Parliament Street, where an open house was held throughout the afternoon.