the rhetoric'' in the debate over the role of guest workers and stressed he was not anti-foreigner.

Mr. Hodgson said Government was in favour of sustainable development to overcome unbalanced growth, which was a complex problem.

And he said the debate on population had struck a "raw nerve'' and that those who supported sustainable development should maintain their friendliness "in the face of provocation and name-calling''.

The issue has been prominent since Mr. Hodgson said in an interview with The Royal Gazette last month that rampant growth and an influx of foreigners had helped cause a breakdown in the fabric of society.

His comments led Shadow Legislative Affairs Minister John Barritt to accuse Mr. Hodgson of thinking along the same lines as Hitler.

In a statement to the House of Assembly last night, Mr. Hodgson said: "Some of this debate has questioned the viability of the concept of sustainable development and has particularly accused the Minister of Environment of being anti-foreigner.

"Most of what has been said has been in response to what I did not say. It is beyond question that this Government is fully committed to tourism and international companies as part of the business of Bermuda.'' Government spent $42.26 million in attracting international business, which he supported.

He said his interview with The Royal Gazette was wrongly characterised as controversial. "In answer to a very direct question on whether or not I was blaming foreigners for our problems, I gave a very direct answer of `no'.'' Sustainable development is a complex issue involving many issues such as wildlife, traffic, population, waste management and health, he said.

The Ministry had set up an advisory committee which involved the Chamber of Commerce and involved a meaningful dialogue "as opposed to the emotional outburst that has been depicted in the media''.

He appealed to those who supported sustainable development to "maintain our equilibrium in the face of provocation and name-calling. We in this country have a tradition of friendliness and good manners. This has been the hallmark of our culture and the foundation of our success in attracting both visitors and foreign workers who help to service our economy.

"We can be an example to all who visit us for whatever reason. In the way the debate on sustainability has developed, it is obvious that the subject has struck a raw nerve in our society.

"We can begin the healing process by toning down the rhetoric and begin a dialogue that is meaningful.'' He added that the media had a responsibilty in the debate and that it should be "displaying a loyalty to our country''.

Hodgson: Tone down the rhetoric But United Bermuda Party MP Trevor Moniz said Mr. Hodgson should stop blaming the media and Opposition for problems his comments had created. He said Mr.

Hodgson had created similar problems last year when he aired his views on sustainable development.

"It is always easy to say the media or the Opposition caused all the problems, but it's problems you created,'' he said. "I would like to see more temperate statements by the Minister and to slow the progress in areas where they have made promises to reform, and recognise the time it takes.'' Mr. Moniz said there was anxiety in the community about the work permit reforms. The proposed time limit of six years had been leaked to the Press this week.

He called on Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox to table the consultation document before the House.

He said it was disturbing that it was disclosed yesterday that exempted company STW Fixed Income Management was leaving Bermuda. The company cited concerns about work permit changes, the CURE race relations laws and the growth of "anti-foreigner'' feelings.

Mr. Moniz said: "I would like Government to do more to calm the managers and owners of those companies as well as those in Bermuda.

"Every employed guest worker is creating employment here, not taking it away.

We are in full employment mode. The vast majority of work permits are approved because they are needed.'' In Monday's Royal Gazette : Mr. Hodgson's full statement Raw nerve: Arthur Hodgson