Premier Alex Scott has today defended a controversial e-mail which has led to him being accused of racism.

In an advertisement on Page 10 of today's Mr. Scottapologised for the use of the word "crap" in an e-mailthat was mistakenly sent to entertainer Tony Brannon.

But he denied that his statement that he was "getting tired of listening to, and taking crap from people who look and sound like Brannon" was a racial reference.

And he attacked the Island's media, including this newspaper, for being "divisive" and promised that this month's Throne Speech would contain "a major initiative to address those initiatives that seek to divide us".

Mr. Scott's advertisement was published after days of controversy over the e-mail that was sent to Mr. Brannon but was apparently directed at Beverle Lottimore, Director of the Department of Communication and Information.

The e-mail, published by the Mid-Ocean News on Friday, said: "Madama Director, FYI. Mr Brannon. In regard to the Freedom of Speech in Bermuda, Mr. Brannon you exercise it and abuse it everyday...

"PS. Madame Director: you can now climb down off the ceiling ? I did not send the above ... I just got it out of my system by sending it to you and to you alone. However, I am getting tired of listening to, and taking crap from people who look and sound like Brannon. P"

Mr. Brannon has said he has taken his complaint to the Human Rights Commission and has demanded an apology.

Mr. Scott said he wrote the e-mail having received an "unadvertised" e-mail on the state of tourism that was "disrespectful and offensive; laced with obscenities and by inference denounced my support of the National Day of Prayer and the appointment of Bishop (Vernon) Lambe as chairman of the BIC (Bermuda Independence Commission)".

Mr. Scott said he disregarded long-standing advice from Ms Lottimore not to respond to anyone before fully researching the subject matter involved in writing the e-mail, notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Brannon was not intended to see it.

"However, the Lord works in mysterious ways," Mr. Scott wrote in the advertisement. "While attempting to follow the Director's advice, I unintentionally did what my heart and head felt was required ? address a climate of growing disrespect and blatant disregard for others being fostered by Mr. Brannon and those individuals in positions of authority and influence who should and do know better.

Mr. Scott said he accepted "the tone of my e-mail was not in keeping with one of the highest offices in the land, and while I sincerely apologise for my language that was left open to interpretation; this season of bad conduct is finding its way into our media and (through) this route permeating our community and infecting our society. Despite that, as Premier I should and expect to be held to a higher ? if not the highest ? standard.

?To this end, I regret using the word ?crap? to a civil servant while utilising Government hardware (blackberry) in the crafting of an official document (e-mail). I do not hesitate to apologise to anyone who took offence to my use of that word.?

However, Mr. Scott said there was no reference to race ? directly or indirectly ? when he said he was tired of people ?who look and sound like Mr. Brannon?.

?Do not be misled; my reference is explicitly to an attitude and behaviour, not to a race,? he said. ?Do not allow others to interpret this message for you.?

Citing Shakespeare, who wrote ?Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look?, and Oscar Wilde, who said ?some do it with a bitter look?, Mr. Scott claimed the term had never been used to connote race.

Mr. Scott then criticised this newspaper and the Mid-Ocean News, accusing them of being divisive agents in society.

Mr. Scott said had published a satirical opinion piece by Phillip Wells (Limey in Bermuda) that was ?fictitious, divisive and a libellous diatribe demeaning both the Premier and the Deputy Premier. And it was supported by editor saying he knew it was not true but stood behind his decision to print it?.

Mr. Scott also criticised for running a headline quoting Opposition Leader Grant Gibbons? statement that the Premier was ?a political eunuch?.

?I do not have to explain to all right thinking Bermudians how and why this distasteful obscenity has to be deemed unacceptable. Yet it was published by without any comment or criticism,? he said.

Mr. Scott also criticised a December, 2004 editorial in the Mid-Ocean News that said ?the Premier is pissing down the people?s backs and telling them that it is rain?.

Mr. Scott said: ?It is time now for a frank and candid look at the pervasive negative behaviours of not only those we are eager to identify on Court Street, but those who we tend to want to ignore on ?high? street.

?To this end, the Throne Speech will include a major initiative to address these elements that seek to divide us. Freedom of speech is not free; it comes with both responsibility and accountability.?

Earlier yesterday, Mr. Brannon said the Premier needed to be held accountable and he was shocked that he would send such an e-mail. He said what was even more damning was that Mr. Scott obviously knew what he was saying was offensive.

?It is just too bad for him he has problems operating his Blackberry,? he said.

Mr. Brannon had sent Mr. Scott and Tourism and Transport Minister Ewart Brown a summary of his frustrations over Government?s handling of the tourism industry.

?And this was the result of that,? he said yesterday.

Mr. Brannon has now taken his complaint to CURE and to the Human Rights Commission, ?to see what they would do with it?. CURE stated that the Human Rights Commission has the mandate to receive and investigate allegations of discrimination and it had referred his complaint to HRC chairman Rod Attride-Stirling and executive officer David Wilson.Editor Bill Zuill said last night that he was disappointed Mr. Scott had chosen to use his response to attack the media. ?We have already explained our decision to publish the Limey in Bermuda piece and admitted that in hindsight it might have been better to have included a disclaimer. We will not apologise for the use of the word ?eunuch?. It was certainly tough language, but contrary to what Mr. Scott may think, it is not and never has been an obscenity. It is unfortunate that when the Premier comes under criticism ? justified or not ? his first instinct is to shoot the messenger. It is not entirely clear what initiative he intends to include in the Throne Speech, but since the Premier is in a quoting mood, he should remember the statement: ?I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend, to the death, your right to say it.?