United Bermuda Party leader Kim Swan yesterday claimed the Premier's glamorous Farewell Gala Weekend shows the Progressive Labour Party is ignoring the needs of the voters who elected them.

"Nothing better illustrates the abysmal disconnect between the people of Bermuda and the PLP leadership than this weekend's gala farewell for the Premier," said Mr. Swan in a statement.

"A lavish $500 a plate dinner, a $250 golf game, cocktails aboard a multi-million dollar yacht, and jet-setting American corporate donors reflect a political party that continues to think more about itself than the people who elected them.

"Keep in mind this glitzy display of elitism and cash is occurring during a deep recession that has cost many jobs and pressed family budgets to the breaking point.

"The Government's spendthrift ways — which enabled cronies to profit mightily — have impaired its ability to help people caught in the undertow of recession.

"It is shameful the party built on the sweat of the working man and woman would carry on in such a manner. The 'next level' never had anything to do with them, and the fact that so many of their struggling supporters could not afford to participate speaks volumes."

Mr. Swan also took a swipe at Dr. Brown's claim that his mission throughout his four-year term as leader was to "plough up the ground".

"This was a telling statement given his failure to recognise that just ploughing a field does nothing for anyone. You need to seed the soil to grow something good," said Mr. Swan.

He said the Premier's legacy for Bermuda would be lost opportunity, mushrooming debt and divisive politics.