The New York tourism office has been "flooded" with cancellations from US tourists since four former Guantanamo detainees were granted asylum in Bermuda, according to an Opposition MP.

Despite the four Chinese Muslims being cleared for release under both the Bush and Obama administrations, Patricia Gordon-Pamplin said the Premier's agreement with the US was impacting on tourism.

Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin told a meeting last night: "We've had calls on how the New York office has been flooded with calls of cancellations due to the fact Bermuda has allowed terrorists to reside here."

The MP said the events of the past week had placed a global spotlight on the Island.

"When an international debacle starts to put a spotlight on Bermuda on the world stage, it will start to affect how we are perceived," said Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin.

"Our reputation is being impinged and visitors have decided there is now a tourism drain."

The Shadow Works and Engineering Minister spoke at a UBP meeting at the Peace Lutheran Church Hall, Paget, on 'The Economic Issues Facing Bermuda'.

Earlier, Shadow Minister of Education Dr. Grant Gibbons gave a statistical presentation on the economy.

Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin spoke on the importance of the electorate scrutinising Government budgets and speaking out.

"One of the things we are deemed to be is an under-informed electorate. That is also known as mushrooms, in that we are kept in the dark," she said.

"But this is an indictment on Government because it's Government's duty to inform the people of Bermuda."

The Opposition MP said: "It's important that as a people we speak our mind. Under no circumstances should you feel intimidated or marginalised by speaking about things that will impact us, our financial situation and our economy.

"We need to ask questions and speak exactly what we think. We need to work together as a people for the common good."

She said: "Some of the decisions of these last couple of days will highlight the differences which exist, and test our resolve as a people, in terms of how docile we are or how bold we are, to ensure that things are done for the benefit of Bermuda."