Commissioner of Police was "doing nothing'' over several key issues facing the service.

The president of the Bermuda Industrial Union incurred the wrath of the Opposition benches for his statement, including Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell, who said it was "unbelievable''.

And Mr. Dodwell said Mr. Burgess was likely to have upset Labour and Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox who was trying to address some of the problems facing the force.

The Progressive Labour Party MP said morale was low and had been for some time, and he slammed the United Bermuda Party and Police officials for the lack of progress in the succession of Bermudian officers to the higher ranks.

And he questioned a racial imbalance in some sections of the force and asked why young Bermudian officers had been sidelined instead of promoted.

He said the former Commissioner of Police Colin Coxall was trying to address some of the problems, but the current incumbent, Jean Jacques Lemay, was not.

"To the approach of the present Commissioner, who is doing nothing,'' he said, "Coxall was the best thing since Jesus, but they got rid of him.'' Burgess slams Lemay Mr. Dodwell said the statement was unbelievable, and added that people should call Mr. Burgess to let him know whether they thought the Commissioner was doing a good job.

Mr. Burgess said the recent recruitment campaign had 100 Bermudians apply to join the force, but only ten had been deemed suitable. He added that the entrance exam was set by foreigners to eliminate Bermudians.

"There is a culture difference,'' he said. "We have got to be careful when setting exams for people...because some people don't understand us.'' And the Hamilton East MP slammed the UBP for bringing in foreigners and "exploiting them'', adding their motto was "foreigners first, Bermudians second''.

He also questioned why 72 percent of black officers were on operational duties, compared to 22 percent of white policeman. He added: "It was done on purpose''.

Mr. Dodwell said Mr. Burgess should follow the lead of his (Public Safety) Minister and support the Police and begin to address some of the issues.

"The Commissioner of Police is doing a terrific job,'' he said. "He has respect of the men and woman in the force. He is first class and focused.''