using the House of Assembly to launch an attack against a fledgling funeral home.

During the Motion to Adjourn, Shadow Minister for the Environment, the Rev.

Trevor Woolridge claimed Mrs. Doreen Williams James, Bermuda's newest funeral director, cut down trees amd made alterations without Planning permission.

Yesterday, Mrs. Williams James dismissed the allegations against her as untrue.

And Environment Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons said Rev. Woolridge's attack was premature.

Mr. Simons said the Planning Act anticipates people will carry out developments without permission, which is why the law allows for retroactive applications.

"I do not know whether this applies in this case,'' he said,"but that is the law.'' Furthermore, Mr. Simons said Mrs. Williams James was in the midst of enquiries about renovations and changes of use with the department which are normal whenever a new owner takes over a property.

Mrs. Aideen Ratteray Pryse, assistant director of Planning, said her department is waiting for an application from Mrs. Williams James so that she can get the necessary approval.

"We haven't verified that she has done anything wrong,'' Mrs. Ratteray Pryse said. "Although we did receive a number of phone calls about the (legality) of doing certain things.'' Mrs. Williams James is believed to be the first woman to open and run a funeral home.

If successful, the Alpha Memorial Chapel will be the only funeral home in St.

George's.

"I have always wanted to have my own business and I first got into the funeral business about six years ago. I've worked with A.J. Perinchief and with V.N.C. Tucker & Sons funeral homes. I've worked as a funeral director and as an embalmer.

"But with my new business I want to offer more services. I want to be able to offer a non-denominational service to suit everyone.

"I want to offer more services, such as grief counselling, to help people get over the loss of their loved ones. I'd also like to get out more education on the funeral service.'' Mayor of St. George's, the Wor. Henry Hayward heads a list of those set to attend the open house on Sunday afternoon.

Mrs. Doreen Williams James.