The Premier was politically wrong to accept the Uighurs but "morally right", according to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.

Speaking at the National Sports Centre, Minister Farrakhan claimed Dr. Ewart Brown was "politically incorrect" not to consult Government and the Governor on the move.

Nevertheless, his granting of asylum to the four Guantánamo detainees would earn Bermuda a favour from President Barack Obama and the US Administration.

Minister Farrakhan made the remarks during his address to the people of Bermuda on Monday evening.

It was the first time since 1998 the controversial orator has spoken on the Island, following the lifting of his ban here in that year.

The NOI leader was invited to the Island by members of the Emperial Group to speak on 'unity in the community', to mark 2009 as the United Nations' International Year of Reconciliation.

Minister Farrakhan spoke at length on problems of gang violence in Bermuda and the growing materialistic culture and challenges facing youth.

However, he also addressed the recent controversy over the Uighurs.

"A few weeks ago Bermuda accepted four detainees from Guantánamo Bay," he said. "I know it's a touchy subject.

"Barack Obama wanted to close Guantánamo Bay because many of those detainees were just picked up and brought there under the name 'terrorist'.

"Don't you know, if those four men had been real terrorists they would have been charged with a crime, convicted, or even put to death.

"They were let go. It was an embarrassment for the United States government to have so many detained for years with no charge against them."

Minister Farrakhan added: "Now Barack Obama wanted to know if Bermuda would be gracious enough to accept those detainees.

"Your Premier met with Barack Obama and, yes brother, asked if Bermuda would take four detainees.

"You know your Prime Minister (Premier) is a politician, but he wasn't thinking like one because if he had thought politically correct he would have taken it to those that were in Government with him, and with the Governor, and gotten approval.

"But he was thinking morally and not politically, to bring to this Island four suffering members of the human family who did nothing to deserve what they received in Guantánamo Bay."

The NOI leader said: "Maybe what he did was politically incorrect but it was morally right for Bermuda to receive those detainees."

Commenting on the fallout after the Premier's decision, Minister Farrakhan said: "So the people say, 'we accept them, but you are wrong'.

"Bermuda, I know you are a fair-minded people and I know the Government of Bermuda that if they think deep, now Barack Obama and the Government of America owes Bermuda a debt of gratitude.

"You are in a position now to ask for a favour from Barack Obama and the American administration, for the good that Bermuda did."

He said: "Taking those unfortunate lives and giving them shelter is a Christian thing to do, and Jesus would be pleased at what you did."

Minister Farrakhan also claimed Governor Sir Richard Gozney should be the "chief helper" of the Premier and answerable to the people.

"The Governor of the Island is the Queen's representative. It's a powerful position and is paid for by the citizens of Bermuda, not by the Queen," he said.

"If the Governor's, and I mean no disrespect, salary and staff is paid for by the citizens, then he should be the number one servant of the Island.

"Now forgive me if you feel that I am causing trouble, but the head of the house has to be the chief servant of the people in the house, and therefore he is not only the authority of the army and the Police, but also should be a chief helper of the Premier to serve the interests of the people in the best, most productive manner."