Premier Ewart Brown admonished race relations appointee Rolfe Commissiong for creating a side show when the Island had more pressing things to discuss.

Mr. Commissiong and MP Ashfield DeVent have recently been trading words in The Royal Gazette over the latter's proposal to debate loosening Bermuda's drug laws.

Mr. Commissiong has accused Mr. DeVent of failing to speak out on racism and being an "invisible MP"; Mr. DeVent has said Mr. Commissiong's stance on race is "frightening".

Yesterday, the Premier said Bermuda should not expect the "sideshow" to continue.

"The priorities of this Progressive Labour Party Government are protecting and creating jobs for our people, waging a vigorous war on crime and fixing our broken education system," he said. "Now more than ever we must remain focused on the needs of the people and on solving these problems.

"The ongoing exchange between Mr. Rolfe Commissiong and MP Ashfield DeVent in the pages of The Royal Gazette is a side show and a distraction from the priorities of our people. This exchange, which began as a healthy disagreement, has become entertainment for our opponents.

"I am confident that the next time the public hears from Mr. Commissiong on this subject it will not be in an exchange with MP DeVent."

The "side show" began after Mr. DeVent said he believed decriminalising illegal drugs — making them available to addicts via Government — could drastically reduce profits of the underground trade and make a big dent in gang activity. He initially considered putting forward a private members' bill but several within the Progressive Labour Party, and without, have since supported the idea that a debate on the issue is needed.

Soon after Mr. DeVent publicised his views Mr. Commissiong said he was failing to attack the real source of Bermuda's problems by focusing on the evils of drugs.

He added that Mr. DeVent had been too quiet on racial inequality and the marginalisation of the black community over the years.

But Mr. DeVent said he felt Mr. Commissiong was encouraging young men not to take personal responsibility, by blaming problems on racism. He accused the race advisor of having "tunnel vision" and urged young blacks to avoid using racism as an excuse for bad behaviour.

Mr. Commissiong responded by saying the MP was "a little slow" in that he waited three months to respond to his statements Mr. Commissiong made his original remarks on March 31 and Mr. DeVent responded to them on May 5. He added that Mr. DeVent's proposal was misguided.