group to revoke reggae singer Shabba Ranks' work permit.

"At this juncture, I can see no justification'' to bar the controversial Jamaican-born singer, the Hon. Irving Pearman said.

The singer -- booked to perform at the National Stadium on March 26 -- created a furore recently when he apparently advocated the killing of gay men.

Appearing on Britain's "The Word'' television show last December, Mr. Ranks said singer Buju Banton was "most definitely right'' in advocating killing gay men, and that "if you forfeit the laws of God Almighty you deserve crucifixion''.

The Bermuda Human Rights Alliance -- formed by an anonymous group of gay and lesbian professionals on the Island -- has described the singer as a "homophobic bigot,'' and called on Government to revoke the permit in light of the remarks.

"The Bermuda Government has in the past banned the likes of Louis Farrakhan from entering Bermuda for his hate-filled comments, labelling him as undesirable,'' the Alliance said in a news release. "We feel that Shabba Ranks ought to be given this same status, as he not only spouts words of hatred, he also condones violence against homosexuals (and) their murders.'' But Mr. Pearman noted Mr. Ranks was also quoted as saying "he wishes no harm to anyone''.

The Minister was referring to Mr. Ranks' statement last week, after the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said it planned a national protest.

The singer said he regretted his comments and did not "approve of any acts of violence against homosexuals or any other human beings''.