Plans for the future housing needs of the Island's elderly are on hold because of a row over its organisation.

Project PHASE -- which was designed to formulate an action plan for housing for Bermuda's seniors into the next century -- is in limbo after a row blew up between consultant Dr. G.B. (Bert) McPhee and the Bermuda Housing Corporation.

Dr. McPhee was appointed to PHASE -- Programme of Housing Alternatives for Seniors Exclusively -- in August last year but work on the scheme ground to a halt last month.

Dr. McPhee claims the BHC have treated him in a demeaning, insulting and arrogant manner.

And he has now demanded that his plans are returned and form no basis for any future development of the project, or he may use the courts to get satisfaction.

While the argument rumbles on, the whole scheme is at a standstill. Officials are keen to see the situation resolved and PHASE move forward.

Dr. McPhee -- a doctor of 42 years and geriatric specialist -- said he was disappointed that the important project should fall apart because of the dispute.

"My ultimate aim is to get the record straight why I withdrew my services, because of the offensive treatment I received,'' he said. "There has been a lack of respect and sensitivity shown in this whole project.'' Much of the dispute centres on the bringing on to PHASE of another doctor, who actually took over Dr. McPhee's role at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital before he was forced to retire, and the remuneration for the work.

Dr. McPhee claims he was warned by BHC officials to "not worry about the money and get on with his work, or an alternative plan would be accepted ahead of his''.

"I think it was a shame on that score to bring someone else in to do the work, but it will be par for the course in Bermuda. Respect for foreign experts has always been greater than that for locals.

"The money is not the big issue, I would have done a project like this free of charge, but for self respect I must receive some compensation for my worth.'' In a letter to Housing Minister C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, he proposed an annual salary of $115,000, but in another correspondence said no agreement had been made on wages after discussions took place on an offer of $45,000 for the whole project.

A final letter to Mr. Woolridge, Dr. McPhee stated his withdrawal from PHASE was in full force, he said: "In all conscience, dignity and self-respect, I cannot bring myself to work in such an atmosphere and with such individuals.'' Geoffrey Gardner, chairman of the BHC, said: "Regrettably, Dr. McPhee has indirectly advised the Corporation that he wishes to withdraw his services for this initiative.

"The Corporation was enthusiastic about the appointment of Dr. McPhee last year and an important factor in his selection was that he was a Bermudian and had extensive knowledge of and apparent interest in the needs of seniors.

"The Corporation remains committed to the objective of seeing that the special housing needs of Bermuda's expanding elderly population are met. The corporation will therefore be seeking to find another Bermudian to take on this role as soon as possible.'' PHASE intended to formulate a plan to cope with the increasing senior population.

Exploring various housing options for seniors, via existing services and initiatives, in to the next century was to be the aim.

Dr. McPhee still has a pending legal battle with the Bermuda Hospital Board, over their decision to retire him at the age of 70.

Mr. Woolridge said he was disappointed that Dr. McPhee was no longer involved with the project, adding that he had resigned from it not once but twice.

HOUSING HSG