A broadcaster yesterday brushed off demands from Premier Jennifer Smith that he substantiate a story claiming top Government figures and businessmen objected to plans for a Bermuda event at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland -- or apologise.

VSB's news director Brian Darby said: "Clearly, I can substantiate the names -- but I will not be doing so on the grounds of protecting my sources.'' And he insisted: "There will be no retraction.'' Ms Smith -- reacting to a Saturday VSB report that concerns had been expressed to the UK Government over Bermuda's plans to host an Island-themed event at the Davos conference -- yesterday issued a brief statement through official Government channels.

The faxed statement said: "VSB has been asked by the Premier to substantiate allegations that a number of officials had objected to Bermuda's plans for the World Economic Forum, including a senior member of Cabinet, the Bermuda International Business Association and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.'' Premier seeks retraction for Davos `circus' story It added: "Mr. Bryan Darby, the VSB news director who prepared the story, has been told if he cannot substantiate the claims he is to issue a retraction...'' Deputy Governor Tim Gurney and a businessman named in the VSB report as an objector both denied the claims last night.

Mr. Gurney said the Foreign Office had not become involved in worries over Bermuda's plans for the conference.

He said: "They have had no inquiries at all about Bermuda and Davos and the Foreign Office has said nothing about Bermuda travelling to Davos.'' But Mr. Darby said two names he did list as objectors -- international businessman Michael Butt and Tourism director Gary Phillips -- had not contacted him to deny the claims.

But Mr. Butt -- a member of the co-ordinating committee for the Davos trip -- said he had raised no objections to Government plans.

And he added that international business under "whichever party'' had done its best to promote the Island at the forum.

Mr. Phillips could not be contacted for comment last night.

The row broke out only days after Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon slammed plans to take chefs, bartenders and a ten-strong group from the Warner Gombey Troupe to Davos.

Nearly 30 people -- in addition to the official delegation -- have been slated to attend the conference, previously attended by around 15 people, including the Premier, Finance Minister and business leaders.

Ms Gordon said the proposals were a "circus'' and could "diminish Bermuda's stature''.

Government, however, countered that the plan to axe the black tie dinner put on by previous administrations and replace it with a reception with a strong Bermuda flavour was designed to show the "synergy'' -- or close relationship -- between tourism and international business in Bermuda.