Government has mismanaged the affordable homes problem, according to the Opposition Deputy Leader.

Patricia Gordon-Pamplin last night gave a stinging review of Government's housing efforts.

At a town hall meeting held by the United Bermuda Party, Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin zeroed in on the Westcott Lane, Southside development where the Premier broke ground only weeks ago. Last night she said it was so mismanaged it "borders on criminal".

The Government sold the land to a private individual for $3.8 million, however with the agreement the individual will have to build 54-units, which were all pre-priced and when sold will bring in $25.6 million.

Though Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin recognised that building the units would cost $10 to $12 million, that would still leave $13 million in the developers hands rather than in the Government coffers.

John Barritt, Shadow Justice Minister, presented the topic of the meeting, "Good Governance" to more than 80 people at St. James Church Hall, Somerset.

He highlighted the recent BHC scandal, the controversy over the Coco Reef Lease and the overspending on the Berkeley Institute, as reasons only the UBP could bring accountability to the next general election.

Moving Government towards more transparency, Mr. Barritt focused on different legislative matters which include a Freedom of Information Act, a Whistleblowers Act (protection for civil servants who speak out) and fixed term elections.

"We are not looking for more referees," Mr. Barritt said. "A Whistleblowers Act would be so we can give civil servants the right to speak out without reprisals."

Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley also attacked Government for its poor performance in tackling drugs and crime when responding to a question raised by one of the attendees.

"In order to reduce drugs and crime and to bring sanity back to our roads, we need to get rid of the PLP," said Mr. Dunkley. "We can't stop the drugs? We're not sincere about it."

However, yesterday Mr. Dunkley said he did support the Government on the bladed weapons legislation after questions were raised over the noncustodial sentence given to a man who slashed three people with a Samurai sword.

"We are encouraged that the Director of Public Prosections has seen fit to appeal a Supreme Court judge's noncustodial sentencing of a man convicted this week of slashing three people with a Samurai sword," he added. "Justice must not only be seen to be done it must be done, and so we hope in this instance that the course of justice is served.

"We're on record as supporting the Government's bladed weapons legislation, which was passed in response to increasing violent crime in Bermuda. In this regard, we want to make sure it works effectively to protect society and in a manner that ensures justice for all."