Opposition leaders have said 'enough is enough' after Minister Derrick Burgess' used racist language in the House of Assembly — with one MP calling for a Code of Conduct to keep ministers in check.

Minister Burgess told United Bermuda Party MP Trevor Moniz: "You never thought that you would have to come to slaves' children for an answer or a decision. That's the problem, he doesn't like that Mr. Speaker, and he better get used to it".

The controversial statement came after the UBP questioned Government's handling of the Bermuda Cement Company in Friday's House of Assembly.

Since then political leaders have spoken up about the comments, with UBP leader Kim Swan claiming Government has used racist language in the past to take the focus off other issues. Mr. Swan said: "Friday's debate epitomises the dead end politics we have been subjected to. There can be no excuse for any cabinet minister spewing out any racial epithets that we witness in the house that came from Derrick Burgess and Glenn Blakeney.

"It is no wonder that we as a country find ourselves engulfed with discontent, social issues and economic turmoil when cabinet ministers carry on in such a manner. It denigrates the whole process.

According to Mr. Swan he witnessed in the 2003 and 2007 elections, how race was used. He said the PLP deliberately made reference to "plantation politics" and called his colleagues names.

"They have resorted to name calling to turn up the racial temperature. It is a clever mechanism to detract people's attention from the issues of the day," he said.

"What gives any political leader the right to act in such a manner, and what example does that send to any young people in this community. We have a problem where young people are shooting themselves over differences. And I expect better of people that are leaders in this country," said Mr. Swan.

UBP MP Cole Simons said a Code of Conduct would "set the benchmark of performance as MPs" and "enable (MPs) to better serve the parliament, the community and Bermuda."

He said the Code of Conduct would be discussed in the House within the next three weeks or so — and if implemented would curb offensive language and behaviour by MPs.

In addition to outlining proper behaviour for present MPs, the code would also serve as a guideline for new members in terms of decorum and behaviour.

"It's unfortunate that the Minister Burgess made those comments and I am hoping the code of conduct will address what type of behaviour is expected for members of Parliament and leaders of the country," he said.

"We have been elected to represent our constituents and we have been elected to be leaders of Bermuda and the code will document what kinds of behaviours are expected."

"We are no longer acting on behalf of ourselves solely, we are representing the 1000 plus people who placed us in this position."

Businessman and BDA member Myron Piper said: "The Government in last Friday's heated debate in the House of Assembly focused on racial diatribe while referencing historical injustices of the past, it failed to shoulder its share of blame and the role Government has played in staying the present injustices as they relate to black empowerment.

"The Opposition's position was that the conflict was not about race as the Government would have us believe but about a leadership that has the same reputation of those they accuse of racial discrimination — promoting favouritism, cronyism and nepotism.

"More succinctly put they have replaced one oligarchy with another, just the faces have changed. Blacks are no better off than with the previous Government, in fact one could argue we are worse. We now have almost a billion and a half dollar national debt to shoulder due to irresponsible Government amid an undertone of pay to play practices," said Mr. Piper.

Bermuda Democratic Alliance leader Craig Cannonier called Minister Burgess' comments distasteful and said the party would not stand for it anymore.

Mr. Cannonier said: "Yet again a Government Minister has let loose and let the country down through racial negativity in the House of Assembly. Minister Burgess' remarks were abhorrent. When will this stop?

He continued: "Last week I made mention of Senator Burch's crazy comments which seems to have spurred more nonsense. Bermudians are sick and tired of this. I am tired of this."

"The Bermuda Democratic Alliance will call out nonsense each and every time. Bermuda must move forward. Bermuda needs a better way and we will provide this.

"Government needs to check itself before it wrecks itself and Bermuda. Enough is enough," Mr. Cannonier added.