Senator Kim Swan wants Government to "embrace" Bermuda shorts as a unique part of Bermuda and not discard them because of so-called colonial connotations.

Sen. Swan was responding to recent events at the World Travel Market in London earlier this month when the shorts were removed as official attire for the Bermuda Department of Tourism.

He said if the shorts were discarded because of their colonial connotations, then Bermuda was being "ill served by those making that decision".

Sen. Swan said he was surprised that the Minister would allow a long established branding symbol to be cast away for such a "frivolous reason".

Bermuda shorts, he added, have long been an integral part of the business dress for Bermuda.

"It has been the national dress at many international sporting events such as the Olympics, World Cup of Golf and in particular, at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Plenary Conference in 1999 where the Bermuda contingent ? Arthur Hodgson, Derrick Burgess and myself ? featured in all of the major the Trinidad newspapers with our matching attire," he said.

Sen. Swan said it was apparent who they were and where they were from because of their "Bermuda Shorts", as these colourful shorts serve to differentiate Bermuda from other jurisdictions.

"Tourism should be about convincing people to visit our shores, and Bermuda Shorts are a unique talking point to cut the ice.

"At tourism conferences and trade shows, particularly during the winter months, Bermuda Shorts crystallise the Bermuda charm we are trying to sell to the world."

He urged the Minister of Tourism and Transport, Dr. Ewart Brown to downplay the significance of the Islands' uniqueness.

"On a lighter note, I hope the Minister is not reluctant to show his knees, in much the same way he was reluctant to remove his shoes," he said, adding that if so, the "Government in waiting" are all prepared to carry the flag and proudly wear our Bermuda Shorts.

Minister Brown refused to remove his shoes at the airport in security a few years ago.

In response yesterday, Dr. Brown said it was true that the shorts were not worn by staff at the World Travel Market.

He said this was a decision made by the Director of Tourism, Cherie Whitter and supported by him.

"They were not required to wear them, but they remained an option," he said, adding that the shorts remain as the Department of Tourism logo. "And that should tell the story."

Dr. Brown said that they had never made the connection between the shorts and colonialism, adding: "But now that he mentions it, we'll look into it."