It was the Ministry of Public Safety that was unprepared to discuss repatriating sick foreign prisoners, not Government House, according to a spokesperson for the Governor. A press release was issued yesterday by Government House denying charges made by Minister of Public Safety, Sen. David Burch, on Thursday.

During a press conference where he outlined what each of his seven departments had been doing recently Sen. Burch said taxpayers money was being wasted because Government House would not allow his ministry to repatriate foreign prisoners that require urgent medical attention.

"Attempts by this Ministry to secure the early release, on compassionate grounds, of two foreign nationals with significant health issues have been thwarted by Government House," he said. "I am quite annoyed that the wishes of the Government of Bermuda are again being thwarted by the supervising power in this regard."

But Government House said that was not the case. The press release stated: "The Deputy Governor attempted to call a meeting to discuss these issues two weeks ago.

"The Ministry of Public Safety however was unable to attend, and subsequently explained they were not ready to discuss the matter."

And the Deputy Governor said he was ready to hold the meeting as soon as the Ministry was ready. The press release added that the matter has also been brought to the attention of the Prison Reform Coordinator for the Overseas Territories, Mr. Fradley, who will be visiting the Island later this year.

In order to repatriate sick foreign prisoners several policy issues must be dealt with first, a Government House spokeswoman said. in particular criteria need to be established about what type of medical needs would be deemed serious.