a development corporation.

Walter Lister became acting general manager of the West End Development Corporation in mid-July -- whilst also serving as chairman of the Wedco board.

He replaced the existing acting general manager, Sandra Ferguson, who had taken over the role following the departure of former boss George Smith. Ms Ferguson has returned to her post of financial controller.

Although Wedco is a non-Governmental organisation, it still comes under the supervision of the Ministry of Development and Opportunity, headed by Mr.

Lister's nephew, Terry Lister.

Last year was the first in its history where no direct Government funding was received by Wedco.

Last night, Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon said the move was highly unethical and asked if the Cabinet and Premier had agreed to the appointment.

She also accused the Government of looking after themselves instead of standing by promises to put the people first.

"They have a duty and a responsibility to the people, to open up and explain what they are doing,'' she said. "It flies in the face of their attitude towards the public, they don't feel they owe them an explanation.

"This Government talks the game of putting Bermudians first ...the Bermudians they are putting first are themselves.'' Her comments were backed by UBP MP and champion of a planned register of MPs' outside interests, Trevor Moniz.

He said it appeared that the situation crossed the boundaries of what MPs were allowed to participate in.

He said there were two questions, the rule forbidding MPs to also be civil servants, and whether he could be acting general manager as well as chairman of the Wedco board.

"Can a politician be the general manager of Wedco, can the chair of Wedco also be general manager -- supervise himself -- these are very important issues?'' he said.

"It would be very unwise to do so.'' Mr. Moniz, who backed the Register of Members Interests report, said it would be argued that since Wedco was a quango, and not directly related to Government, that Mr. Lister was technically not a civil servant.

Mr. Moniz also questioned if the Sandys South MP was being paid at the general manager's rate, and whether he had the qualifications for the position.

Ms Gordon said the excuse that Wedco was a quango did not hold, adding that it meant Mr. Lister effectively only reported to himself.

She questioned whether the Wedco board had ratified the move, asking why someone else wasn't appointed to the role for a temporary period until the position was filled permanently.

Mr. Lister did not respond to calls left at his home yesterday.

Walter Lister Trevor Moniz