Dozens of Bermudians who wanted to attend last night's meeting on term limits failed to get in, because the Berkeley Institute auditorium was filled with a capacity crowd of 350.

The problem sparked criticisms that the event was poorly planned and organised.

One 32-year-old insurance broker from Pembroke told this newspaper he sent an e-mail yesterday morning to say he'd like to come, but got no response.

He commented as he was turned away: "It's shockingly bad planning. They can't run a budget, they can't plan a meeting. I'm involved in international business and my wife and I have a vested interest in what happens in the Island."

However, a Government spokeswoman said all who replied in advance were accommodated, and extra seats were brought in to accommodate late arrivals as far as possible.

The meeting proved controversial before it began because non-Bermudians were banned from attending. Home Affairs Minister David Burch also banned the media and politicians Michael Dunkley and Michael Fahy because, he said, it was his meeting and he chose who came.

Only those who are Bermudian and working in international business were allowed in.

The forum was due to begin at 5.30 p.m, but at 5.50 p.m there were still long lines outside and dozens ended up being turned away. There were two entrances set up– the first for those who contacted the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing in advance, provided proof they met the criteria for entry, and were given a pink neon wristband stamped "approved by Minister."

The other entrance was for those who turned up on the night, and had to show their passports to get past security guards stationed at the door. Around 100 people in the latter queue were left disappointed when, just before 6 p.m., one of the event organisers announced: "The room is full to capacity. I can't let you in due to fire safety."

Many left, but several remained milling around outside. And a short time later the organisers found some extra seats to add to the venue, which meant the doors were opened and they got in after all.

A 27-year-old man from Pembroke who works in trusts and investments was also left disappointed.

He said: "I think there's probably already a representative crowd but it definitely shows how many people are affected by term limits. I'm sure the feelings of those turned away will mirror the feelings of those inside. I don't see how it does anything more to protect Bermudian jobs and in order for it to do what the Minister claims it's going to do, it implies we're going to force jobs out of Bermuda because unfortunately our primary source of income is rent and expenditure from international business employees. I think they're mistaking a housing and education problem for an immigration problem."

Another man with him said: "It's ridiculous, we're being totally censored. I came just to listen and to hear what's going on, this is too important to have something like this happen. My suspicion is they stuffed it full of Ministry people."

Sen. Burch indicated that another meeting may be arranged to accommodate those left out this time.