The executive at the centre of the controversial Delaey Robinson advert yesterday broke the silence and issued a formal apology in an attempt to "set the record straight''.

Advertising manager Dusty Hind took responsibility for the advert which enraged the community and expressed his desire to "make amends''.

The ad was run in the final days of the election campaign and showed a photograph of then PLP candidate Mr. Robinson.

The text said he was Premier Jennifer Smith's choice for Finance Minister and questioned if people "really wanted this man to `broaden the tax base'.'' Mr. Hind admitted that a group of Bermuda businessmen who are UBP supporters requested a series of ads be placed in response to negative ads run by a PLP support group called the City Professionals.

Mr. Hind said an overseas design firm created the campaign, and he asked Harris and Mitchell to do the media placement on his behalf.

But he apologised for the "turmoil'' the advert caused -- and stated that neither Aardvark Communications staff or UBP campaign people were involved with the "True Believers'' campaign.

"I must stress as strongly as possible that I did not see the ad as racist and that certainly was not the intent,'' he said.

And Mr. Hind claimed the ad was created "to emphasise the rumoured confusion concerning the Party's choice of Cox, Lister or Robinson for the Finance portfolio''.

He added: "Unfortunately it was not seen that way and I deeply regret this. I can only ask to be forgiven for the insensitivity and emphasise that there was no racial or other discriminatory intent.

"This situation has been very painful, racism is not part of my history. I hope we can all move on and work toward healing, harmony and understanding for a better Bermuda for everyone,'' he added.

The apology came on the heels of yesterday's reports that Mr. Hind quit his job as managing director of Aardvark Communications advertising company.

Although Aardvark boss Ben Fairn insisted Mr. Hind retired to pursue other interests, it is understood he came under criticism from colleagues over the advert featuring the dreadlocked Mr. Robinson.

Mr. Hind said he attempted to contact Mr. Robinson to apologise in person, but Mr. Robinson had not been available.

When informed of the apology, PLP general secretary Walter Roban yesterday said it was a matter for Aardvark Communications or Delaey Robinson to comment -- not the PLP.

Mr. Robinson could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Delaey Robinson Graphic file name: DELLA