Last week's Mid-Ocean News story which held that the ruling party had worked out a "pre-election exit strategy" for Premier Jennifer Smith is a "story that has no roots", according to Transport Minister Ewart Brown.

"I don't know anything other than the party is united around the leadership for the election," he said.

The Mid-Ocean News speculated that ruling party backbencher Reginald Burrows would replace Jennifer Smith as Premier before the election because of "plunging" ratings.

The speculation was fuelled by the fact that Mr. Burrows is being honoured with an achievement award by Dr. Brown's "Bermuda Healthcare Foundation", at a black tie dinner on June 14, and that the Premier is expected to be honoured the day before in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

The name of the Foundation is in fact the Bermuda Health Foundation.

A statement from the Foundation announced that Mr.Burrows will be the first recipient of its "Salute to Service Award".

"The first time this has been given, this Award is bestowed upon persons in the community who have exemplified the highest quality and dedication in the realm of Public Service, and according to organisers, Reginald Burrows is one such man," it said.

"During his 33 years of Public Service, Mr. Burrows has been respected and revered as a loyal and steadfast of son of Bermuda and the Service Award organisers said they could think of no more deserving recipient of this award."

An avid sportsman, Mr. Burrows entered politics in 1968 to represent Southampton East. Prior to that he was deeply involved in community service.

"The Salute to Service Awards dinner on June 14, will be held at the Fairmont Southampton Princess , and is being sponsored in an effort to raise scholarship funds for those Bermudians studying in the healthcare field. The Deputy Governor, Tim Gurney, is serving as co-chair of the event," the statement continued.

Formed two years ago by Dr. Brown and his two brothers, Philip Butterfield and Vincent Hollinsid, the Bermuda Health Foundation is a Bermuda registered charity. Its primary mission is to provide support to young Bermudians who have chosen healthcare as a profession.

"At present, there is a significant shortfall of Bermudian nurses. Currently, less than 50 percent of the Island's nursing staff is Bermudian and the foundation believes it is important to provide motivation and financial support to those persons so that they can continue."

Bank of Bermuda executive vice president Mr. Butterfield is president and director of the Foundation. Other officers include Mr. Hollinsid, head of the Bermuda Fire Service, Murray Brown, Anthony Hunter and Christina Maybury. Dr. Brown serves as secretary.

Dr. Brown stressed the committee which selected Mr. Burrrows was representative of both of the Island's major political parties and that the Mid-Ocean News speculation was unfair to Mr. Burrows.