The Broadcast Commission expects to come to a resolution about whether Premier Jennifer Smith's February address to the country was a political broadcast, in about a month, said chairman Tim Marshall.

He told The Royal Gazette that the commissioners met yesterday to discuss a request by Opposition Leader Grant Gibbons to determine whether the broadcast was political.

"I'm not going to make a comment until the procedures have been laid down for addressing the complaint and parties have been notified. Dr. Gibbons can rest assured that the matter will be dealt with in a fair and proper manner," Mr. Marshall said.

The commissioners had agreed on the timetable and the procedure to be followed during Monday's meeting, he said.

Asked what the implications would be if the broadcast was determined to be political, Mr. Marshall said he couldn't at this early stage be specific.

"The commission has a number of steps it can take and it really depends on what is appropriate and the circumstances - the breach can be at different levels and different degrees. At this stage I can certainly tell you that the commission is not making any decision until the parties have had an opportunity to put in submissions and argue their particular submissions in respect of this matter."

Asked how long the process would take, he said: "I would imagine it would be resolved within the month."

Letters had already been sent to the Opposition party and the Bermuda Government, he added.

A month ago, the Premier called for national solidarity and urged Bermudians to make a personal pledge to support Bermuda in its efforts to resurrect tourism and survive post September 11 global realities.

In her 12 minute speech the Premier also criticised shadow tourism minister David Dodwell, saying he had said that the September 11 attacks on the United States had not impacted on the performance of tourism.

Dr. Gibbons said at the time that the taxpayer should not have to pay the bill if the broadcast was political and he would be asking the Broadcast Commission to determine whether it was.

He also called on the Premier to withdraw the remarks about Mr. Dodwell, because they were inappropriate and she had misrepresented his comments.