By Matthew Taylor Opposition MP John Barritt says talks on changing Bermuda's constitution have been mishandled.

He said the public had been given little notice they could contribute to discussions run by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office: "Considering the short notice and the absence of a clear agenda, we have to wonder: are we being invited simply to go through the motions for appearance's sake?'' A delegation from London are in Bermuda for four days of talks which will begin at 9.30 a.m. today at Government House.

Mr. Barritt said: "We still don't know on the eve of the meeting precisely what the British Government, through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, is trying to achieve.

"What they have told us is that the small delegation has been sent out to engage in further consultation on Constitutional change.

"While that may be commendable, we go in to the meeting with our doubts and reservations as to how meaningful this consultation will be.'' He said the first public announcement had given the impression the meeting at Government House was going to be with the PLP Government and the Opposition UBP on plans to axe twin-member parish bases seats in favour of redrawn single seat constituencies.

"It wasn't until just five days ago -- Tuesday of last week -- that the public were told via a press release that their views would also be welcomed, and that if they wished to be heard they should submit their views in writing by this Tuesday.

"I believe there has also since been a couple of advertisements on radio as well as a small advertisement which appeared on page 6 in Saturday's Royal Gazette .

"We have to say that it all seems to us to be very much last minute notice and not the sort of notice that encourages people to participate.

"What constitutional matters are people to speak? "The impression is that it is to those changes proposed by the PLP Government. However, it is our belief that the agenda may well be broader than that, but the people of Bermuda don't really know that.'' He said MP Trevor Moniz had been personally invited to appear to talk about the Register of Interests as well as on the rights of long-term residents.

"But we are not aware that similar such personal invitations have been extended to those others who made submissions to the FCO.

"The personal invitation list thus appears to be very selective, and it ought not to have been in our view if the British Government was looking to truly achieve inclusion.

UBP questions intent of FCO consultation "We have also been given information by the FCO which leads us to believe that this consultation will also include a review of the provisions for human rights in our Constitution -- a review that has already been commenced by the FCO. Some of those items suggested for review and change include: Doing away with the right to sentence offenders to hard labour; lowering the age whereby the personal liberty of young people can be restricted by a parent or order of the court for the purposes of their education or welfare from 21 to 18 years, or possibly lower; strengthening the requirement to provide free legal assistance to those facing criminal charges who cannot afford legal counsel; expanding and strengthening the protection afforded people against searches of their property and their person; extending the protection against discrimination to the widest possible classes.

Mr. Barritt added: There is also a suggestion that the following `missing rights' be considered for inclusion in the Bermuda Constitution: the right to marry; the right to an education; and the right to free elections.

Deputy Governor Tim Gurney said people had been given a week's notice of the meeting to submit views and that the FCO was trying to keep consultations flexible rather than impose deadlines.

He said: "There could well be some human rights issues discussed but most things going to be discussed have already been raised. But if people have new ideas that's fine, they will be looked at. There's an element of exploring here.'' The UBP are organising a meeting at 7.30 tonight at its HQ in Chancery Lane, Hamilton for members and supporters to be updated on what happened earlier in the day at Government House.