for a boycott, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

Boycottbermuda webmaster Michael Vigodda confirmed: "We're dropping calls for a boycott.

"But we will still be calling for a travel advisory or a travel watch in connection with the Island.'' Mr. Vigodda said the boycott call would be suspended in light of an upcoming appeal against the not guilty verdict of Middleton murder accused Justis Smith.

He explained: "We don't want to interfere with due process -- Government's hands are tied and they can't say anything during an appeal.

"But at the end of the appeal we will be renewing our demand for an inquiry or a Royal Commission into all the circumstances of this case.'' Mr. Vigodda added that an embargo on talking to the US and Canadian media ended at midnight yesterday.

The embargo was set up to allow time for Premier Jennifer Smith to make a statement on the Middleton affair -- but Mr. Vigodda said, apart from one press release, Ms Smith had not contacted him or the website.

He added: "We are still looking for an official apology to the Middleton family and from the Canadian External Affairs Ministry for not helping the Middletons while they got two convicted kidnappers out of Brazil and a stay of execution for a Canadian on death row in Texas.

"Both Governments' silence, inaction and lack of sympathy towards the Middletons over the loss of their daughter must be remedied.'' The news came as the alumni association of Albert College -- a private school in Rebecca's home town of Belleville, Ontario -- cancelled its annual March golfing trip scheduled for Bermuda after pressure was brought to bear on members.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister David Allen yesterday vowed to stick to his guns in a campaign to counter bad publicity in Canada following the brutal killing of Ms Middleton and the failure to convict anyone of her murder.

Mr. Allen was accused of "cynicism'' on a "boycott Bermuda'' website devoted to the case in Canada after he said any negative images could be countered by a marketing push.

But yesterday Mr. Allen said: "I'm not going to start responding to that website. I'm not going to get into that.'' But he defended his position and stressed that the Middleton killing was an extremely rare occurrence in Bermuda.

Mr. Allen said: "We have our programme and we will soldier on -- most Canadians still believe Bermuda is a safe and attractive holiday destination and we'll continue to take a positive approach.'' He added: "You just have to think positively -- you don't criticise people or blame the Canadians.

"Some say they have over-reacted, but it was a tragedy and a very vicious crime and we must sympathise and empathise.'' Mr. Allen admitted: "There is a short-term disadvantage, no question, but Bermuda's good reputation will stand us in good stead in the long run, while being sensitive to the concerns in Canada and ensuring the questions are addressed here in Bermuda.''