The United Bermuda Party believes people may get the impression "pay-to-play" takes place in Bermuda based on comments made by Premier Ewart Brown about his Farewell Gala.

Last month the Premier said the Department of Tourism was waiting to see if a "marquee name" attends this year's PGA Grand Slam at the Port Royal Golf Course in October before renegotiating a deal to hold the tournament in Bermuda in 2011.

Sources close to the negotiations previously told this paper the PGA is keen to continue their relationship with Bermuda, and the only stumbling block to a deal being done would be if Government didn't feel it was a worthwhile investment.

Shortly before the Farewell Gala, which took place last weekend, the Premier announced the CEO of the PGA, Joe Steranka, would be attending.

He added: "The benefits Bermuda has achieved through our association with this stellar event are incalculable and we are grateful for our partnership with the PGA.

"I am pleased that Mr. Steranka has agreed to join us for the Farewell Gala Weekend and believes his support bodes well for the future relationship between the PGA and Bermuda."

The Farewell Gala was a Progressive Labour Party fund-raiser where tickets to the black tie event were $500 and Platinum level tickets to all the weekend's events cost $25,000.

Yesterday UBP Senator Jeanne Atherden said: "Fund-raising is a chore shared by all democratic political parties. They need the money to pay for campaigns and ongoing expenses.

"Unfortunately, the Premier appeared to mix last weekend's PLP fund-raising with Government business, specifically with regard to the future of the PGA Grand Slam in Bermuda.

"The Premier earlier in the week said Bermuda was considering whether it would continue with the tournament "if we don't get a good deal this year..." But the next day, after learning PGA chief Joe Steranka confirmed his intention to attend the Premier's gala farewell, Dr. Brown said Mr. Steranka's support "bodes well for the future of the PGA and Bermuda."

"One could dismiss the Premier's prepared statement as poorly worded; but it nevertheless raised the spectre that he was engaged in a form of pay-to-play whereby PGA political support for the PLP would lead to more lenient decision-making by the Government on the future of the Grand Slam in Bermuda.

"Whether true or not, we deplore the impression created that pay-to-play is in play.

"Pay to play, whereby money is passed for Government favour, can have no place in Bermuda. The Government, whose duty must be to protect the Island's reputation, should be committed to setting the best example for the people of Bermuda to follow and for the people who do business with Bermuda.

"Bermuda trades on its reputation and we cannot allow it to be endangered by the careless wording or loose actions by a temporary office holder."

Last night, the Premier's press secretary said the Opposition party was trying to score "cheap political points".

The press secretary added: "The Premier will not dignify this statement which implies that something is amiss with the integrity of the relationship between the Government of Bermuda and the PGA.

"This shortsighted statement from the UBP is obviously an affront to the internationally respected PGA. It is fortunate for Bermuda that the PGA does not see our country through the eyes of the UBP.

"This debilitated organisation must learn to distinguish between cheap political points and what is good for Bermuda."