Health Minister Harry Soares yesterday pleaded sickness for not attending the World AIDS Day service.

He also said he had been rushed off his feet last week by a hectic schedule.

"Quite honestly, I'm bushed,'' he added.

Shadow Health Minister Renee Webb, too, pointed to her crowded politician's calendar. And she aimed a potshot at some of the critics.

"Bermudians are becoming a nation of complainers, and those who complain the loudest tend to do the least to make Bermuda a better place.'' The pair stressed their absence from the Anglican Cathedral in Hamilton on Sunday should not be seen as a lack of compassion.

More than 400 people attended the AIDS Day service. But, according to some in the congregation, only one politician was there -- the United Bermuda Party's John Barritt.

The absence of doctors and males was also deplored by congregation members.

World AIDS day committee chairman Cynthia Stovell called for more community support in the fight against the disease.

She steered clear of criticising any group of people for their absence.

But she said: "We would not specifically invite politicians -- they know it's on.'' Yesterday Mr. Soares said he had been in bed sick on Sunday and could not attend.

He also appealed for public understanding over the demands on a politician's time.

"We often get criticised for not attending events, but sometimes I don't think people appreciate how much we do.

" All Monday night, for instance, I was preparing for a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

"On Tuesday night we had a special general meeting of the UBP and on Wednesday night we had a branch meeting.

"On Thursday night there was an extended UBP caucus meeting, while on Friday night I was in the House of Assembly.

"On Saturday afternoon I had a wedding and on Saturday night I had an Alcoholics Anonymous dinner. I got home at 12.30 a.m. the following morning and I was in bed sick on Sunday. I then had to be at my Ministry this morning.

How much more can a person do?'' Mr. Soares said people had to recognise the multitude of requests on a politician's time.

"It's not simply possible to go to everything. It doesn't mean we don't care and appreciate. "There is a phenomenal of things to go to -- the tragic thing is that some people might think we don't care. It's not the case.'' Mr. Soares said his list of engagements was growing, leaving him with little time to do "real work''.

He went on to praise those behind World AIDS Day.

"I salute them in every possible way.'' Ms Webb urged Bermudians not to judge people for not attending events, such as Sunday's service.

"I couldn't make the service. It was the first one I've missed, but my absence doesn't show a lack of commitment.

"People expect politicians to come out to everything and we can't always do so. I don't criticise those who don't come to an event.'' Ms Webb believed politicians on both sides supported the fight against AIDS.

She pointed out she, Mr. Soares and Premier David Saul had been at the World AIDS Day proclamation last Friday, which was poorly attended.

"We came out of Parliament to do that, so there was a commitment on the part of Government and the Opposition.'' HEALTH HTH