after an attack on his fight against racism.

Mr. Dill's position at the head of the Ministry, which includes tackling racism, came under fire from a Progressive Labour Party banquet speaker.

Mr. Marc Telemaque, speaking to 350 Progressive Labour Party supporters at Marriott's Castle Harbour Resort on Saturday night, claimed it is senseless for the Government to appoint a black man to face the problems of racism.

In response to the comments, Government Whip, Mr. John Barritt, endorsed the appointment of Mr. Dill. And Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan added his backing.

Mr. Barritt said that in questioning the appointment, Mr. Telemaque was overlooking the important and positive step the newly-created Ministry represents in the commitment the United Bermuda Party has taken to promoting greater social advancement in this country.

He added: "The appointment of any Minister is a question of competence, and I am satisfied, as is the Premier, that Mr. Dill is more than competent to head up this new Ministry.

"Mr. Dill is part of a team, and has the right to expect the support of all his parliamentary colleagues when he and the Ministry go forward with recommendations, programmes and policies.'' Mr. Barritt went on to say that Mr. Dill embraced the recommendations in the report of Judge Tumin because he recognised, based on personal experience, the "inherent problems and frustrations'' in our society today.

He said it was all too easy for the PLP to attempt to "score political points'' on this, or any issue, but far more difficult for them to put forward proposals which target solutions.

Adding the UBP is moving forward in the area of racism, he said: "After achieving perhaps more than any other country in its dealing with issues of race, the party further reinforces its commitment to deliver on its blueprint for Bermuda's future.'' The Premier refused to comment on Mr. Telemaque's speech stating that freedom of speech is part of any democracy.

But he defended Mr. Dill's appointment saying: "I have every confidence in Mr. Dill. He is getting support from a broad section of the community. He understands the issues.

"Both blacks and whites are sitting down and discussing the issues in a sound, rational way. Mr. Dill should be given every encouragement because he is a facilitator and a catalyst, and at the end of the day it is a community issue.''