black man to tackle racism.

Mr. Frederick Wade repeated his controversial claim racism was a white disease.

"It would have been logical, therefore, to appoint a white Minister,'' he added.

But new Human Affairs Minister the Hon. Jerome Dill -- given the job of combatting racism -- hit back last night.

"I think it is most unfortunate the Opposition Leader has expressed this opinion,'' he said. "What his statement boils down to is that Jerome Dill ought not to have got the job because he is black.

"That seems to be precisely the kind of result we are hoping to avoid. We don't want otherwise qualified black people not to get jobs because of their race.

"That is what institutionalised racism is all about. I view that as a retrograde step.'' Mr. Dill's position came under fire from lawyer Mr. Marc Telemaque during a Progressive Labour Party banquet.

Mr. Telemaque said it was senseless for Government to appoint a black man.

"Any move towards combatting racism in Bermuda must be made by the white community,'' he told 350 PLP supporters.

Now Mr. Wade has backed the remarks. He said the white community had to demonstrate a commitment to solving racism.

Yesterday the National Association for Reconciliation stated its position on Mr. Dill's appointment.

Association co-chairperson Dr. Eva Hodgson said she felt Mr. Telemaque had made a "significant point''.

"Black people have been struggling to settle the race issue since slavery.'' But Dr. Hodgson added: "I believed when the appointment of Mr. Dill was made it was valid to have him as the Minister.'' She said the association had urged Government to appoint a Minister who had shown concern for racism as Mr. Dill had.