The United Bermuda Party has pledged to scrap Government’s new TV service which is set to be unveiled on Sunday after labeling it costly, unnecessary and liable to be used for political propaganda.

Leader Michael Dunkley said his party would boycott the opening.

“We do not believe Government television is needed in Bermuda. We see it as a huge waste of taxpayer dollars. And we believe it will be used for propaganda by the PLP Government.”

The Opposition believe Government TV could be a vehicle to freeze out the free press.

And Senator Bob Richards said there was no need for Government TV in Bermuda.

“We have a population of approximately 65,000, and we have three TV stations, four if you want to include Fresh TV. We don’t need more. Clearly, this station is going to be used for propaganda.”

He said there no guidelines have been issued about its editorial content, nothing has been said about who can appear, for how long and who has right of reply.

* For the full story see tomorrow's Royal Gazette.