The slanging match between Tourism Minister David Dodwell and his Opposition counterpart David Allen is continuing -- with the Government Minister going straight on the offensive.

Mr. Dodwell claimed that Mr. Allen "is the one living in the past'' after the Progressive Labour Party MP slammed Government plans to promote Bermuda as a country club resort to attract visitors during the winter months. Mr. Allen believes the strategy has negative connotations.

"I find it shocking that Mr. Allen states that African Americans will be alienated and put off by an invitation to come to Bermuda and join our club,'' Mr. Dodwell said.

"Our club does not discriminate, it offers open membership with lots of benefits -- sports, shopping, dining and fabulous accommodations. It is an open, total island resort.'' Referring to Wednesday morning's meeting with hoteliers and retailers where the country club marketing plan was launched, Mr. Dodwell said: "We had a great turnout and, most importantly, we jointly discussed a new strategy to bring more people to Bermuda.

"Mr. Allen was not there. Due to this he not only missed the presentation, which included research, targeting and communications strategy, he also missed out on the discussion that took place, the ideas which came forward and the opportunity to understand the overall campaign.

"The people who were there have a vision. The research is clear. There are thousands of Americans -- including African Americans -- who are looking for somewhere to go during the months of November through March. They are looking for a place to play golf, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and spend time with Bermudians.

"Historically 25 percent of our 400,000 visitors -- 100,000 visitors -- come to the Island during this time period. We think and the research shows that this number can be increased.

"If Mr. Allen is so committed to tourism and Bermuda I must ask `Why were you not there?' Once again all this was just criticism from Mr. Allen. Criticism is not a vision and criticism does not bring more people, more jobs and more opportunity to Bermuda and Bermudians.

"In closing I must add that Mr. Allen is the one living in the past. We have come a long way and we intend moving forward. Our marketing plans include everyone. We will build the team to bring a new era for tourism in Bermuda.'' Mr. Dodwell also suggested that his shadow was being patronising and elitist in assuming that African Americans would not find a country club atmosphere appealing.

And he highlighted the Ministry's committment to the World Conference of Mayors as evidence that Government was keen to attract African American visitors.

"I think it's a shame that that potential market has been slammed as a market that would not enjoy all that a country club has to offer,'' he said. "They are being dismissed and discouraged.'' Refering to Mr. Allen's comments earlier in the week that morale at the Department was at rock bottom, the Minister replied: "This plan came up from the people in the Ministry -- what he is doing is criticising the efforts of those people he claims to be concerned about.'' PLANNING AHEAD -- Tourism Minister David Dodwell chats with marketing gurus from the Intergrated Communications Agencies, Jeffry Moran, (left) Stefanie O'Polka and Richard Lobel (right).

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