PLP Environment spokesman Ottiwell Simmons is guilty of double-speak, a former Environment Minister claimed yesterday.

And Ann Cartwright DeCouto said that Mr. Simmons had been "a vocal opponent'' of her controversial banning of fishpots several years ago.

Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto added: "Banning fish pots was controversial -- but it was the right thing to do.

"And it's already paying the dividends that the United Bermuda Party sought -- restoring fish stocks to our waters.'' Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto said she was forced to speak out after Mr. Simmons outlined his party's proposals for the environment.

She added: "Mr. Simmons was a vocal opponent and voted against the banning of fishpots.

"Now as part of the PLP leadership, he has defined a list of things he would do to safeguard our environment.

"Once again, I must ask the people of Bermuda to remember what his record has been on one of the most controversial issues surrounding the protection of our marine life.'' Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto, who is standing in Pembroke West Central, added that PLP chiefs had slammed trips to Washington by Premier Pamela Gordon and Finance Minister Grant Gibbons to press for compensation for multi-million dollar base lands clean-up as "electioneering.'' But she said: "What they have really been doing is making Bermuda's case to the United States to clean up the old US base lands. The UBP has been diligent in this battle and we will be successful.'' And Mrs. DeCouto added: "In our Keys to Partnership, our plan for the future, we pledge to continue to wage our battle for clean air, more green space, clean water and to return the Railway Trail to its natural beauty.'' Anne Cartwright DeCouto