Racial taunts may have played a role in a construction site attack last June, a Supreme Court jury heard yesterday.

But Correia Construction co-owner Dennis Correia said he never heard victim Michael Carey utter any racial slurs or direct any curses at workers in nearly eight years of knowing him.

He was testifying in the case against Keith Neville Bean, 34, of Somerset Road, Sandys, who is charged with wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Describing Bean as "one of the hardest working guys around'' and a "nice guy'', Mr. Correia said the incident occurred aboard a barge at the new Royal Bermuda Yacht Club pier in Hamilton Harbour on June 28.

Mr. Correia said he could not hear exchanges between Bean and Mr. Carey that afternoon as he tried to get a tug boat alongside the barge.

Bean is black and Mr. Carey -- who suffered a fractured skull -- is white.

Bean was to throw a rope to Mr. Carey for him to secure. Witness William Peniston said Bean missed the barge on the first throw and then threw the rope directly at Mr. Carey.

The trial got under way yesterday before Puisne Judge Vincent Meerabux and a nine woman, three man jury.

Mr. Correia said he could see the men talking and "some gesturing'' but did not know what was being said.

"Are you aware that Mr. Carey said to him `if you're going to have an attitude, n*****, you can tie the f***ing boat up yourself'?'' Bean's lawyer Delroy Duncan asked.

"And is it true that Mr. Carey would say earlier that morning `you black boys are nothing, that's why you're not in charge'?'' he continued. Mr. Correia responded: "Huh!. . .That's ridiculous. If you knew the make-up of our crew and our guys you would appreciate that's not the way it is. I never heard racial stuff and I would not allow it.

Later Mr. Correia added: "The firm is multi-racial. Lots of nationalities and every one is treated the same.

"At least half are black and we have Portuguese, English, Canadians and Americans. We don't have a written policy for disputes. I just come in and show them a different point of view and if it is not settled then they are terminated.'' Talking about the use of profanity by workmen in general and the kind directed at others, Mr. Correia brought laughter to the court.

"Yes, guys swear, all the time, it's like the grammar,'' he continued. "You work in the construction industry in Bermuda and you'll hear it all day. Even when they say good morning! "But swearing at a person is not allowed. I don't like guys cussing at each other and, no, it's not a trivial thing.'' Describing the incident, Mr. Correia said: "I came down from the wheelhouse and saw Keith Bean punch Michael Carey, sort of lightly, about the body.

Michael wrestled him to the deck and then Bill Peniston came down from the other end and broke it up. As he did that Keith reached around and got the shackle and hit him.'' When Mr. Duncan asked if Mr. Carey threatened to push Bean -- who was known to be afraid of the water -- into Hamilton Harbour, Mr. Correia again responded he did not know what words were being exchanged.

Mr. Peniston said he could not remember the exact words being exchanged between the two men but described it as "general banter back and forth'' before Bean punched Mr. Carey.

"Keith jumped onto the barge and confronted Michael face to face,'' Mr.

Peniston said. "He was pushing him and talking to him in a loud voice.

Michael turned to walk away from the situation and Keith proceeded to hit him on the back of the head.

"As I escorted him away, Keith picked up a three-quarter inch eye bolt from somewhere and I made him put it down. I did not see how Michael was injured.'' Like Mr. Correia, Mr. Peniston did not hear any taunts from Mr. Carey toward Bean.

"You didn't hear Mr. Carey call him an a**hole?'' Mr. Duncan asked.

"No, I didn't hear any of that. Profanity is common. But that is offensive, yes,'' Mr. Peniston replied. The trial continues today. Crown counsel Patrick Doherty is prosecuting the case and Venous Telford is assisting Mr. Duncan.

Accused: Keith Neville Bean yesterday DISCRIMINATION DIS