Shadow Labour Minister Michael Dunkley has pledged to show up to a Bermudians-only meeting — without his passport.

The Opposition politician objected this week to the language used in an invitation from Labour Minister David Burch to locals working in the international business (IB) sector.

Sen. Burch said he was holding an April 8 session on work permit term limits to get feedback from Islanders but told them that proof of Bermudian status would be required from those attending.

Sen. Dunkley supports the meeting but described the words used in the Minister's e-mail as "divisive and inflammatory".

His criticism prompted Sen. Burch to say on the radio on Wednesday: "It is amazing to me how, in my country, I have to defend meeting with my people."

Sen. Dunkley said yesterday: "The Minister never makes reference to his language and the reference to bringing a passport for ID. That was my concern — nothing else.

"I was very clear in what I said in that I supported the meeting but not how the e-mail was written and the need for ID. Typical spin in reply by Minister Burch. I intend to go to the meeting and, no, I will not have my passport with me."

He said that though he doesn't work in IB he was entitled to attend as Shadow Labour Minister. The UBP senator said of the ID requirement: "What type of example does it set? It's crazy, if you want to be a jurisdiction that is well respected, that people want to do business in."

He added: "I do not want this matter to be a political football. People need to feel free to speak about important topics such as this, Bermudian and non-Bermudian, without fear of intimidation or personal attacks.

"Sadly, too often, people are afraid to speak out with this Government as they have seen what happens at times when others do."

Sen. Burch's meeting, at 5.30 p.m. at the Berkeley Institute, is aimed at finding out from locals whether they think the Government's controversial six-year term limit on work permits could adversely affect them.

The Minister did not respond to questions yesterday about why participants needed to bring ID or whether those who didn't would be prevented from attending.