yesterday.

Sen. Philip blasted a story delving into institutionalised racism in Monday's newspaper, particularly the part which described The Royal Gazette as an equal opportunities employer.

But his attack was described as "deplorable'' by Government Senate leader the Hon. Michael Winfield and he received a warning from Senate President the Hon.

Albert Jackson about abusing Parliamentary privilege.

Sen. Philip said: "In my opinion The Royal Gazette newspaper has been guilty of many deceptions when it comes to restraining the aspirations of black people in Bermuda and our quest to get equal rights and economic justice in this country.

"The biggest snow job they have ever done is contained in what they called a snap survey, a phone-around, which was highlight in The Royal Gazette on Monday.

"One looking at it would get the impression that it intended to gauge the extent of institutionalised racism in Bermuda. It succeeds in its purpose to a very small extent.

"But to a greater extent it's more of a survey of a very, very damning element in our community which I refer top as nepotism.

" The Royal Gazette presented a one-sided report and they talked, in my opinion, to the wrong people. They did not talk to the right people who could give them an insight into institutionalised racism in Bermuda.

"I think they should be prosecuted for styling themselves as an equal opportunity employer. I venture to say that the whole purpose was to get the drivel out into public to bare their soul as they would like us to see it.'' Sen. Philip asked Royal Gazette general manager Mr. Keith Jensen and Editor Mr. David L. White why there is seldom more than one black journalist on its general news staff.

He said: "We are talking about the oldest citadel of institutionalised racism in this country. It has always been racist, it is racist now and as long as the same people are at the helm of this institution it will continue to be racist.'' At this point Senate President the Hon. Albert Jackson said: "Think carefully before you extend the limit of your parliamentary privilege. You are dealing with very serious statements about an organisation in the community.'' Concerning the statement that the paper had a black sports editor, Sen. Philip said: "Blacks are regarded in these parts as having great potential for sports, but when it comes to the general mesh of things they encounter institutionalised racism.

"They say there are several blacks in the Bermuda media trained at The Royal Gazette . I can count on one hand the number of black Bermudians trained there.

"I would like the manager and editor to explain why they cannot retain black people that they train. The whole purpose of this article is to cast in a light that is only a false one.'' The Hon. Maxwell Burgess (UBP) attacked Sen. Philip for claiming the Government was not interested in ridding the country of racism.

Sen. Burgess said: "He suggests that Government is not interested in shaking the shackles of racism. Nothing but nothing could be further from the truth.

"There is no greater menace than racism, even taking into account AIDS, and we all recognise we must make a contribution to stop it.'' Sen. Jerome Dill (UBP) asked Sen. Philip how the PLP intended to outlaw racism. He said: "It affects us all, the US, Canada and many places in the world.'' Quoting racism speaker Ms Pamela Brown, he called for encouragement for business to stop racial bias and set up training for black employees.

Sen. Winfield said: "Parliamentary privilege is a responsibility. I do not want to defend any element of the media. They are all able to defend themselves. But what I will say is that those in this chamber accept their responsibility and do not misuse their privilege.

"What has been said in this chamber is deplorable, irresponsible and the responsibilities that are needed for the leadership of this Country. The Opposition have demonstrated a total failure to show the responsibilities needed to run this country.'' He was followed by Sen. Wendell Hollis (UBP) who defended freedom of speech which he said would be greatly diminished by a PLP Government.

Responding to Sen. Philip's criticism, Royal Gazette general manager Mr.

Jensen said: "I do not intend to get into a racial mudslinging match with Sen. Philip.

"The employment policy of the newspaper is based on ability and not on the colour of one's skin.

"I was brought up not to take into account the colour of a person's skin when making decisions.''