community came under heavy fire this week from the United Bermuda Party.

The Bermuda/Portuguese Association was rapped for trying to "sell votes under its control'' to the political party which supported it.

And the association's president Mr. John Amaral was slammed for seemingly backtracking on an agreed way forward with the UBP.

UBP spokesman Mr. Joe Gibbons said the agreement followed a meeting between the party and Mr. Amaral to review the association's concerns.

"We agreed to pursue certain options which we felt were areas in need of attention and with which we could lend some direct assistance.'' He added: "I regret that it seems the association has decided to follow a different course.'' Mr. Gibbons hit out after Monday night's meeting on immigration held by the Committee for the Independence of Bermuda.

Mr. Amaral, one of the guest speakers, was challenged over his association's links with the UBP.

He replied: "We're going to be reviewing the issues when the election comes.

Whichever party supports our case, I think that's the party we're going to be voting for.'' But Mr. Gibbons said it was regrettable Mr. Amaral would attempt to sell the votes under his association's control to "the highest bidder''.

"The UBP Government has been fair to all communities and has provided tremendous opportunities for Bermudians and non-Bermudians alike,'' said Mr.

Gibbons.

"The party will continue to ensure that equality of opportunity exists for Bermudians and that our moral obligations, as a Government and a country, are fulfilled throughout this community.''