paying for a party to celebrate the Progressive Labour Party's election victory anniversary on November 9.

The Royal Gazette has been trying since last week to obtain comment from Government about claims that the taxpayer may be funding a so-called "birth of democracy'' celebration, but Government ignored requests for a statement.

On Monday, however, she told ZBM television that Government had no plans for a party to mark the anniversary of the election victory.

She added that the PLP was preparing for its annual conference, which included a banquet, on October 30.

The Premier did not respond to requests through Government Information Services yesterday to speak to her directly about the reports.

When The Royal Gazette tried to speak to Ms Smith yesterday, after a World Teachers' Day ceremony at City Hall, about the alleged "birth of democracy'' party, she would only say "no such thing exists'' before driving off.

PLP general secretary Neville Tyrell later said the PLP had no plans in hand for a November 9 celebration.