Opposition Leader Kim Swan yesterday called on Government to urgently conduct a survey to determine how many Bermudians are struggling financially — but the Premier's press secretary said one was already under way.

Mr. Swan issued a statement saying that the Progressive Labour Party Government had focused on the Island's racial divisions since its re-election in December, while economic divisions caused by the rising cost of living remained unaddressed.

But Glenn Jones, Premier Ewart Brown's press secretary, said hundreds of man hours had already been spent on just such an economic study with the final report due to be completed soon.

"I'm surprised Mr. Swan wasn't aware," he said. "I expect the report will be a very useful tool for the Council of Economic Advisors, which is committed to creating innovative solutions across socio-economic classes.

"I'm also delighted to inform the Opposition Leader that this council was convened under the leadership of Premier Brown and (Finance) Minister (Paula) Cox."

Mr. Swan said Government's primary focus was on race despite the fact that poverty had a larger impact on seniors and children.

"Bermuda must address the growing economic divide at the same time as the racial divide," he said. "The two problems are interwoven but the economic disparities felt every day by so many Bermudians are more measurable, more immediately treatable and more urgent.

"Seniors and children are the most vulnerable, but in a society as materialistic as Bermuda, their problem is easily masked by the affluence, the general cleanliness of the country and the good appearance of the people.

"But don't be misled. The problem is real, it is all around us and it is spreading."

The United Bermuda Party Leader described the Island as a "proud but materialistic society" in which not all could participate in economic success.

He said Government needed to get a precise understanding of the scope of poverty and must do so urgently.

The Council of Economic Advisors said in a press release after its first meeting last October that it would be "irresponsible to throw ideas into the public domain before we've fully studied them".

The release went on: "The public should know that the members of the Council of Economic Advisors are focused on more than just discussing the issues.

"The Council is determined to devise solutions that will have a tangible and positive impact on the quality of life for Bermudians, while also ensuring a sustainable economic course for the country."

Mr. Jones said: "Contrary to Mr. Swan's assessment, it would appear this Government has the ability to tackle more than one issue at a time."