Opposition Whip Cole Simons has claimed people should be worried about proposed constitutional changes as they would put more power in fewer hands.

He said the changes proposed by Premier Jennifer Smith will mean a central policy unit coming under the direct personal control of the leader, as well as a dramatic cut in the number of MPs.

He criticised plans to redraw the constituency boundaries, resulting in fewer seats and meaning one man one vote, using the Constituency Boundaries Commission, which was not accountable to anyone.

"All these changes are being made without seeking the opinion of the Bermudian people about whether these changes are wanted or not,'' he said.

"This is an assault on Bermuda representative-style Government. These changes are unfair, they are undemocratic, and the Premier is seeking to impose them on the people of Bermuda without their say so.'' He said it was tragic that Ms Smith wanted to "turn the clock backwards and run this country with a small circle of her own political cronies''.

Mr. Simons said it would result in fewer views being sought, fewer opinions being considered, bad and ill-informed choices, and many Bermudians being cut out of decision-making.

He added: "This is not a question about who is in power, but a question about how power is used and abused. It is not a question of United Bermuda Party versus Progressive Labour Party, but a question of open Government versus secret Government.'' The Opposition whip said changes to the Constitution should be done through a referendum, or, at the very least, by entering into a Constitutional conference.

The Premier tabled a report on the changes at the final sitting of the House of Assembly last month. The report is intended to be debated when Parliament reconvenes after the summer recess in October.

It proposes to replace the current boundaries, resulting in fewer MPs and single-seat constituencies.

In addition, she plans for the establishment of an ombudsman to scrutinise the workings of Government, as recommended by the UK's recent White Paper on overseas territories.

When tabling the report, Ms Smith said: "The Paper recognises the fundamental principle of one person, one vote, with each vote of equal value.

"In addition, the changes that are proposed enhance democracy by reducing the number of seats in the House of Assembly in accordance with the recommendation of a future Boundaries Commission.

"In Government, as in opposition, we have consistently held the view that the current system of electoral constituencies is undemocratic and unjust.'' She has not made it clear, however, how many of the current 40 seats will be lost.

Cole Simons