The search is on for Bermuda's first black Governor, claims Opposition Senator Maxwell Burgess.

He said there were rumours in the community that homegrown candidates were being sought for when Sir Thorold Masefield finishes his present term next summer.

And he suggested former Premier Sir John Swan, Court of Appeal President Sir James Astwood, and one of the Progressive Labour Party's founding members and retired lawyer Arnold Francis Q.C. as possible candidates.

However, PLP Senate Leader Milton Scott said although the British had suggested input from overseas territories when selecting candidates it had not appeared in the final draft of the white paper on the Overseas Territories.

Mr. Scott was asked whether it was time Bermuda at least had input into the selection of the Governor.

Hunt is on for black Governor, says Burgess He replied: "We are still a colony and we have to accept it as part of being dependent.

"Maxwell Burgess is misbehaving and trying to garnish people's support in matters.

"I would want the best Governor. It doesn't make a difference whether they are black or white.'' When asked whether local selection of the Governor was unnecessary because it would be superseded by Independence, Sen. Scott refused to comment.

Sen. Burgess refused to name the source of speculation about the hunt for a black governor.

But he said: "I believe the time has come when we should be able to choose within our own boundaries.

"I welcome this. It is history in the making.'' However, he was not suggesting selection should be based on race.

"It doesn't matter what colour people are, that is my point,'' Sen. Burgess said. "There is no reason why a black person could not be Governor.'' When asked for possible candidates Sen. Burgess said: "Sir James Astwood could retire from the bench.

"Sir John Swan could become governor and I believe Mr. Arnold Francis Q.C.

could become Governor.'' When asked about Sen. Burgess' suggestion of taking over the governor's post Sir James Astwood said: "That's very kind of him, but I don't get into those debates.

"If I was in the frame I would have to think about it. But it's not something I have thought about.

"But I don't think we will get a Bermudian Governor for a long, long time.

"I have never known a colony to get a local governor until they got Independence.'' Sir John and Mr. Francis were both off the Island yesterday and unavailable for comment.

Milton Scott