Bermuda's "tragic racial divide'' for the absence of whites at the Progressive Youth rally.

The attack on the Progressive Labour Party leader came from the United Bermuda Party.

UBP executive officer Mr. Joe Gibbons described Mr. Wade's remark as "regrettable''.

Just 60 blacks attended Wednesday night's rally at Victoria Park, at which a panel of guest speakers discussed social and political issues.

Afterwards, chairman Mr. Walter Roban said he was disappointed, but not surprised, by the low turn-out.

He called on the young to get involved in tackling community problems, particularly with the new minimum voting age of 18.

Mr. Wade, tagging racism a "white disease'', suggested young whites had been discouraged from attending by their parents.

He was speaking to a Royal Gazette reporter during the rally.

Mr. Gibbons put forward his own reason for the low attendance. "Bermuda's youth are tired of PLP rallies and the rhetoric of `lets get even' and `vote for us, brothers'.'' Mr. Gibbons said the UBP recognised its responsibility for getting the young involved.

"We must take responsibility for ensuring that they are aware of the opportunities; we must take responsibility of ensuring them a better future.

We cannot, and will not deliver empty rhetoric.'' UBP group Leaders of Tomorrow also attacked Mr. Wade for his "racism is a white disease'' remark. The group mistakenly believed he had been addressing the rally.

It accused Mr. Wade of being divisive, and urged him to step down at the next election.