Premier Jennifer Smith is attending the biennial UK/Caribbean forum in Georgetown, Guyana today.

The two-day forum began yesterday and was addressed by British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw before he rushed back to London because of the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. He left three British Ministers and delegates from more than 20 Caribbean countries to continue discussions on trade, investment, crime and health issues.

The Forum is biennial event held alternately in the UK and the Caribbean and continues today. Its purpose is to strengthen ties between the two groups and deepen understanding on areas of mutual concern according to a Government Information Services (GIS) press statement.

A Government spokeswoman said: "This will provide the Premier with a valuable opportunity to acquire a broader perspective of issues that are also of concern to Bermuda.

"She will also be able to meet Caribbean leaders and have discussions with British Ministers."

The Premier's Chief of Staff Senator David Burch has accompanied her to Georgetown.

But Sen. Burch's trip drew fire from former National Liberal Party Leader Charles Jeffers who said it was wrong for the Minister without Portfolio to be expected fill in for absent Cabinet Ministers and then spend so much time off the island with the Premier because he is the Chief of Staff.

Mr. Jeffers said: "Alex Scott is filling in for the Health Minister even though he already has a large portfolio.

"Sen. Burch is getting paid out of the public purse but it's very difficult for him to do both jobs.

Mr. Jeffers concluded: "He's also the leader of the Senate. I question the whole concept of one person having all these positions. I have some major concerns about how our money is being spent."