as acting general manager of a development company claiming he had done it for the sake of the community.

The Progressive Labour Party member came under fire at the House of Assembly for failing to publicly announce that he had temporarily taken over the top post of the West End Development Corporation (Wedco) -- while also presiding as chairman of the board.

He said: "I am serving Wedco as a chairman, and because of the situation I was asked to serve as the acting general manager.

"I'm not the first chairman of Wedco to serve as chairman and acting general manager.

"We have a job to do in the west end and we are going to do it good. I am not looking for work and I'm not looking for a job, but I will do a job to help my community.'' The Royal Gazette reported yesterday how United Bermuda Party leader Pamela Gordon believed the dual role was highly unethical and asked if the Cabinet and Premier had agreed to the appointment.

Although Wedco is a non-Governmental organisation, it still comes under the supervision of the Ministry of Development and Opportunity, headed by Mr.

Lister's nephew, MP Terry Lister.

Last year was the first in its history that no direct Government funding was received by Wedco.

But Ms. Gordon questioned both the openness of Mr. Lister and the Government and said the mid-July appointment should have been made public. And she said the difference between all the previous acting general managers and Mr. Lister was the fact that he was a Government MP.

Mr. Lister said he did not like the fact that the opposition had talked to the media about their concerns and accused them of being ill-informed as the decision was made some weeks ago.

But Ms Gordon retaliated, saying: "We are trying to ascertain when the announcement was made by the board, by the chairman, by anybody.

"What is the salary that the honourable member is receiving in that role? "Is he being paid by them to appear in this house on a Friday? "If the general manager has a conflict with the chairman, what is he going to do? "And will that honourable member (permanently) fill the post? Is it because they don't have any eligible people in the wings ready to fill the role?'' None of the questions were answered.

The Opposition Leader said by being chairman of Wedco, Mr. Lister had elected himself as general manager through his own board.

Mr. Lister said: "I'm a working MP for my district and Wedco is in my district.'' And he added he did not like public attacks on his character outside of the privilege of the House of Assembly.

"I don't like it and I'm going to tell you now, if you continue to do it, you will end up in another place.'' Walter Lister