All Progressive Labour Party members have been sent a memo warning of the distress they cause speaking about the party to The Royal Gazette.

Chairman Anthony Santucci e-mailed his message after well-known party figures Dale Butler and Rolfe Commissiong spoke out about core members' controversial attitudes on race and sexual orientation.

Mr. Santucci's note — which some in the PLP describe as an attempt to stifle their voices — told members they should air their views internally, and that according to the constitution only he and press officer Wentworth Christopher should speak on behalf of the party.

His e-mail stated: "The recent publication in the daily of comments by party members prompts me to remind all that the Party Chairman and P.R.O. are persons constitutionally authorised to speak on behalf of the Party.

"We have achieved a sufficient level of political maturity to encourage a diversity of views and opinions and a forum for the expression of those views and opinions is available within the Party.

"It is distressing when comments are instead published in the daily which may be misrepresented or misunderstood and could possibly sow the seeds of dissent within our ranks.

"Please use the internal resources available to you for the expression of views and if you feel there are deficiencies the executive and C.C. [central committee] can remediate."

When pressed yesterday, Mr. Santucci told The Royal Gazette: "As long as it is made clear that they are speaking in a personal capacity we have no objection."

Mr. Santucci sent his message to the party executive, caucus and members at 11.44 a.m. on Tuesday. The previous day, this newspaper reported how backbencher Mr. Butler is considering running for Premier but suspects his bid would fail because core members don't like his liberal views.

He said Premier Ewart Brown is very popular in some PLP corners because he stands up to Front Street and whites, and that some in the party hate whites because of the legacy of the United Bermuda Party.

On Tuesday, race activist Mr. Commissiong said Mr. Butler also loses popularity in the PLP because he is seen as an ardent supporter of a gay rights agenda.

Yesterday, asked if Mr. Santucci's memo was aimed at himself, Mr. Butler replied: "No. It is a general notice of 'rules' that all organisations have. Not meant for me."

Mr. Butler described the note as "standard not surprised" and said it was not a problem.

Mr. Commissiong declined to comment. Another PLP member quoted on Tuesday was former Senator Davida Morris, who said young people continue to be alienated by what they see as racial animosity within the party.

Reflecting on Mr. Santucci's note, she told this newspaper: "I've spent enough of my life holding my tongue, not sharing what I thought and it doesn't benefit me or the people around me. I'm not going to go backwards.

"When you ask me questions I answer them for the sake of Bermuda, because I want Bermudians to be informed and I want them to be able to critically evaluate the political world around them.

"I understand that when I make certain comments it causes consternation within PLP ranks. It is not my intention to hurt the party, only my honest viewpoint based on their actions.

"Just because I make a critique doesn't mean I am out to hurt them or confuse people. I would hope they take the message that I'm trying to give and use it to do better. That is the purpose of constructive criticism."

One MP, speaking on condition of anonymity, said last night: "People are concerned there's a move underway to try and stifle the voices of various Members of Parliament.

"Members feel that they, as elected MPs, represent the constituents and they are the voice for their constituents in the public domain.

"If we have constituents who have raised concerns about party matters, as long as one is not giving away details that were spoken in confidence, in general we should be able to speak about party matters.

"If the chairman can, certainly others can too. It has to be one rule for all."