Health Minister Zane DeSilva has apologised for using the “disgusting, derogatory and disgraceful” term “jewing down” in Parliament.Progressive Labour Party MP Mr DeSilva was lambasted by the Opposition after he used the phrase during a debate in the House of Assembly on Friday.He withdrew it after Shadow Finance Minister Bob Richards complained it was offensive to Jews.However One Bermuda Alliance chairman Michael Fahy said withdrawing the comment wasn't enough, that Mr DeSilva should be made to publicly apologise to the Island's Jewish community.The Health Minister issued the following apology this afternoon: My attention has been drawn to the degree of concern that still exists around a comment I made during the motion to adjourn in the House of Assembly this past Friday."Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my sincere apology for the comment and to those who I offended in uttering it."I accept that my remarks were insensitive and incorrect, and my instant withdrawal of the comment at the time it was uttered, without instruction from the Speaker of the House, is clear evidence of my regret."Bermuda’s community is diverse. My responsibility and commitment is to all residents of our community and thus I strongly apologise once again for the concern and discomfort my words have caused."Mr Fahy called for the apology in a statement issued this afternoon. He said it was important that government "set the highest standards of conduct in professional and private life”.“Only through example can we reinforce the values that our young people need to grow into productive, law-abiding citizens.“This is fundamental to government, given that its conduct is under such public scrutiny. A bad example left uncorrected can do untold damage, giving both children and adults an excuse to engage in unacceptable behaviour.”He said the OBA found the term “disgusting, derogatory and disgraceful” and noted it was used by the Minister on the same day Premier Paula Cox said parliamentarians “must all be models of leadership”.“We therefore call on the Premier to have Mr DeSilva issue a public apology to Bermuda's Jewish community,” said Mr Fahy.“We cannot tolerate abusive, alienating, racial language in any form. Unfortunately, the PLP has failed time and again to enforce best standards when it comes to public statements by its members.“In recent years, its members have used offensive language such as ‘house niggers' or ‘racist dog' to cite just two. In each and every case, the words were allowed to stand.”Mr DeSilva used the term during a point of order in response to remarks made by Mr Richards about the escalating cost of doing business in Bermuda and the declining convenience level.The Minister said: “The honourable member certainly seems to be misleading this honourable House. Just a minute ago the honourable member said there's over a million square feet of empty office space in Bermuda and that the possible or prospective tenants will be jewing down or asking for lower rents.”Mr Richards accused Mr DeSilva of using offensive language.“We do have members of that particular faith that are residents of this Island and have been for generations so I think he should withdraw that comment,” he said.The Minister said he would withdraw the comment “regarding Jews”.It has not been possible to reach Mr DeSilva for further comment today.The Premier's spokeswoman said the PLP would respond. The party is expected to issue a statement later today.Check this website for further updates.