start of a major conference of Attorneys General from the UK's Overseas Territories.

Mrs. Browne Evans was at the Camp Lejeune training ground in North Carolina on a visit to the Bermuda Regiment.

Yesterday, delegates to the conference were scheduled to spend the day discussing the implications of the UK's massive rewrite of its relations with the OTs and its legal consequences.

Last night Shadow Legislative Affairs Minister John Barritt said: "I myself would have attached more importance to the conference.

"All I can say is, it's a real pity -- it's a pity the Attorney General isn't present, not only for the purpose of discussion of the White Paper, but also to open the conference, particularly given her recent appointment.'' Attorney General for England and Wales, Labour MP John Morris, also missed the opening day because of the NATO intervention in Kosovo, but is expected to attend today's session.

Mrs. Browne Evans was sworn in as the first political AG in modern times less than three weeks ago.

The opening of the AG's conference, at Paget's Newstead Hotel, would have been her first appearance before an overseas audience in Bermuda since she was appointed.

Delegates to the conference were told at the opening ceremony that Mrs. Browne Evans was absent because of a prior engagement and that she would be at today's session.

And Solicitor General William Pearce -- standing in for Mrs. Browne Evans until she returns to Bermuda today -- said Mrs. Browne Evans "would wish to convey to you her warmest congratulations.'' Mr. Barritt said: "At the end of the day, it's a matter for her to decide the priorities as Attorney General.

"But I do think it's important that Government not miss each and every opportunity to learn as much as we can about the White Paper.

"That paper is written in general terms relating to all the Overseas Territories and it's important we find out exactly what is required of Bermuda and where we stand on a number of issues -- the most important of which is in the area of financial regulation.

"A lot of the comments in the White Paper are sufficiently vague as to warrant explanation.'' The UK White Paper, released last month, promised full UK passports for the citizens of the Overseas Territories -- but warned that tough European-standard human rights legislation and financial regulation would have to follow in the wake of the passport offer.

PLP criticised for silence on White Paper: Page 12 AG misses conference start Mr. Barritt said: "No doubt Mr. Pearce will relay what he finds -- but the fact of the matter is I think it's important, now that Mrs. Browne Evans has been appointed to the political AG's position, she is there.

"It is Mrs. Browne Evans who informs and advises Cabinet on matters like this.'' A Government spokesman said Mrs. Browne Evans was asked by Premier Jennifer Smith to stand in as a late replacement for Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox -- who backed out of the visit because of the row over work permits at Elbow Beach Hotel.

The programme yesterday included a discussion on the White Paper led by top Foreign Office Civil Servant John White, head of the Overseas Territories Department.

That was followed by a round table think-tank on Britain's proposals between UK Civil Servants and the Attorneys General, covering citizenship, human rights, financial issues and the constitutional relationship between the UK and its Territories.

Delegates to the conference include AGs from Britain's five Caribbbean Territories, UK officials from London and the British Embassy in Washington, as well as US government officials.

Browne Evans misses conference start