Doctor and MP Ewart Brown was yesterday branded a bully by former employees.

And one furious ex-employee said: "It's very hurtful from someone in his position -- he's supposed to be a healer and he's just horrible to his staff.'' But Dr. Brown last night dismissed the claims -- and pointed to a political smear campaign against him.

The Opposition MP and Shadow Human Affairs Minister owns Bermuda Healthcare Services in Paget.

But ex-staff members insist relations between Dr. Brown and former employees are anything but healthy.

One ex-employee is suing Dr. Brown for compensation after she was made redundant.

And a US-based woman employed at Bermuda Healthcare on a work permit said she was forced to take time off due to stress.

The woman said Dr. Brown told her in May he would not be renewing her contract and she quit last month, before her official finishing date in August.

She added: "I got my last cheque in May and the problems really started then.

"He started to humiliate me and everything I did was wrong. He had no problems with my work before then -- for three years he had no complaints.'' And she claimed Dr. Brown even harrassed her by calling her at home.

The X-ray technician -- who has now returned to America -- added Dr. Brown once threatened to use his political contacts to have her deported.

And she claimed she was still owed cash for holiday and sick pay.

The woman added: "In the three years I was there, I don't really remember one person who left under normal circumstances.'' She said: "I went to the Immigration Department just before I handed in my resignation -- I knew I couldn't take it any longer.'' Another ex-employee, a Bermudian in her 20s employed in administration, said she worked more than 200 hours in just 18 days.

She said: "I remember it got to me so bad that I broke down in tears.'' The woman said: "I don't know how he can be a member of Parliament for the PLP and talk about people's rights and the black community when he treats people like that. He had no respect for us.

"It was like working in a sweat shop. They also told me I was insured, but when I called the insurance company they had never even heard of me.'' Another woman, also Bermudian, got a letter when she returned from vacation saying she had 30 days to improve or she would be fired.

But she said she had left the firm previously, went back when asked by Dr.

Brown and had been promoted to a senior administrative post.

She added: "People were hired and fired for no particular reason and talked to in any manner he chose.'' One disgruntled ex-employee said: "I wouldn't want someone like that in the Government -- I'd like to see the PLP get in, but not with him.'' But Dr. Brown last night questioned the timing of the allegations about him -- in the run-up to what is set to be a hotly-contested General Election -- and said the complaints were an attempt to smear him politically.

Dr. Brown added: "I know it is -- but it's a free country.''