Opposition leader Wayne Furbert disputed claims that his party allowed backbencher Jamahl Simmons to be targeted by racists members.

In a scathing statement Mr. Simmons said he was resigning because the party allowed a minority of racists members to wage an unfair campaign against him. He also accused the UBP of failing to practise what they preached and encourage unity and equality within the party

Mr. Furbert said: "I am extremely disappointed and saddened by Jamahl's comments because they are unfair to all of my colleagues and simply wrong.

"I must also say that I feel personally betrayed by his words. I helped bring Jamahl into the party and I looked forward to serving with him in the Government of Bermuda."

In a press conference yesterday Mr. Simmons said his supporters were threatened, in particular one person was told they could loose their government job if they continued to support him.

He singled out Mr. Furbert for not doing anything to stop the "plotters". Mr. Furbert said: "I asked him to produce evidence or information about anyone out there threatening him or any other branch member and said I would do everything in my power to stop it.

"I told him that before Friday. I also told him there was no way anyone could be fired from a government job because of their political beliefs and that is was absolute nonsense.

"I am trying to find out who in the world the person is who said that so I can speak to them, if it is true.

"I will not tolerate that coming from anyone. I have spoken to the people who are alleged to have said it and they have said they did not say that."

He added that he was disappointed that Mr. Simmons' time in the UBP had ended this way.

He said: "This began as a dispute between an MP and his branch that could have been resolved with more common sense and more give from both sides.

The record will show that I tried to bring the two sides together over an extended period of time.

"At the end of the day I felt the issue would be best settled through a vote by the branch candidate selection committee as required by our party's constitution. "

He added that he was sure Mr. Simmons would have won the election which was supposed to have taken place Friday evening because he had the full party's support.

He said: "I was surprised when he decided instead to submit a notice prior to Friday's constituency meeting not to contest the next election as our man in Pembroke West.

"Candidate challenges are part of our party's democratic constitution and while I understand that Jamahl was hurt by these developments, it is the lot of politicians that we have to fight for our beliefs, fight to be heard and fight to represent the people.

"It's about fighting the good fight. No one should shy from it."

Mr. Furbert said he rejected the thrust of Mr. Simmons' remarks because the UBP MPs work hard to make Bermuda a better place.

He said: "The United Bermuda Party is a force for good. Our MPs and our candidates show it week in and week out.

"We have plans to get this country on the right track, and we want very much to earn the trust of the people to do that.

"Despite his harsh words, I care deeply about Jamahl, and he knows it. He will always be my friend."