Wednesday when he charged that the Opposition was more interested in the "ethnicity'' of Hospitals Board chief executive Stephanie Reid than in her qualifications.

Clearly upset by the accusation, Patricia Gordon Pamplin (UBP) rose on a point of order and insisted that Dr. Brown substantiate his statement or withdraw it.

Adamant that the comments were made, Dr. Brown refused to back down.

"I would withdraw the statement if I was not as certain as I am that it was actually said,'' he insisted.

Revealing the culprit as Tim Smith (UBP), Dr. Brown noted: "I would be willing to sit with that side of the House and listen to the tape where he said it.'' According to Dr. Brown, Mr. Smith, during debate on the hospital some time last year, had shouted out: "What about the Jamaican woman?'' "I remember it clearly because I felt something when he said it,'' Dr. Brown continued.

Most UBP MPs present said they saw nothing wrong with the statement. Efforts by Mr. Smith to defend himself a few minutes later were denied by the House of Assembly chairman who told him he was too late.