An Opposition candidate in the last election has just returned from a political conference in Central America where he said he felt "embarrassed" to be Bermudian.

Despite being routed by former Premier Alex Scott in Warwick South East, Jeff Sousa has retained his interest in politics and represented Bermuda at the International Young Democrat Union conference in Panama City.

Mr. Sousa said that among the issues which were discussed, freedom of the Press and public access of information came to the fore.

"The topic of freedom of the Press was central to this conference, which was attended by young political leaders from the Caribbean, Central and South America," said Mr. Sousa.

"I was actually embarrassed to say that in our country the same thing was happening as in other countries, with regards to attempts to shut down the Press. As a proud Bermudian I found it sad that our Premier went to the Privy Council to try to shut down the media (over the Bermuda Housing Corporation allegations).

"With The Royal Gazette's calls for PATI (Public Access to Information) legislation, this conference was also very topical."

Mr. Sousa added: "You can see in some countries around the world that when people speak out, the next thing is, you don't see them again.

"In this country, we have seen non-Bermudians who have spoken out, and the next thing is they are being taken to the airport and asked to leave the country. But these people have been invited to our shores to assist us in our standard of living."

He said: "Then, when I saw Saturday's edition of The Royal Gazette, I thought it was ironic to see a picture of the Premier (Dr. Ewart Brown) and former Premier planting a tree to celebrate 40 years of democracy (honouring past MPs), while the article next to it reported the Premier shutting down a debate in the House of Assembly — which is all about democracy."

Mr. Sousa was commenting on Dr. Brown's remarks in which he ended a debate on a Hotels Concession Order for Coco Reef Resort, saying: "We will engage in debate, we will not suppress it, and will listen to all members of the House and answer questions and then vote, but every time there is the implication or insinuation of something dishonest or corrupt made by the other side, we will shut down the debate."

The Premier then said: "I move that the Order be sent to his Excellency the Governor." The Speaker gave the Order to the vote and it was approved by the majority.

Mr. Sousa said yesterday: "What happened in the House on Friday was mind-blowing. That is the whole reason why we have a Westminster system in the House — to have debate. People want to hear how their money is being spent, because it is their money.

"When you are elected to the House you are representing the people — not to do as you please.

"MPs are there to represent the people. How can you plant a tree to celebrate democracy and in the same breath then shut down a debate because you don't want to hear someone else's opinion? That is not right at all."