Premier Ewart Brown's press secretary has asked the Bermuda Police Service to investigate an alleged death threat against his boss on a popular online forum.

Jamahl Simmons said the post, and others on Bermuda Is Another World (http://bermudaisanotherworld.org), suggests "the potential for political violence".

Mr. Simmons said the website has a history of hateful comments against the Progressive Labour Party and added: "We have notified the Bermuda Police Service about this threat and asked for an investigation."

However, bloggers last night said they believed the comments, posted by 'Buddha Bunny' a month ago, were meant as a joke.

The author had written: "OK... point me to the grassy knoll then... actually that would be better now thinking about it... I'll actually have a better shot [the word ‘shot’ was struck through with a line] view , and no one will ever see me... and I can leave without a trace..."

The Royal Gazette has been told by bloggers that in online forums and blogs when someone strikes through a word on a post they are indicating their original intention or feeling and follow it up with a more politically correct word.

They said it can also be used to illustrate sarcasm.

Buddha Bunny's comments were part of a discussion about Dr. Brown's Farewell Gala.

Some bloggers ridiculed planned Progressive Labour Party events in honour of the Premier, who is stepping down as leader of the Country in October.

Mr. Simmons issued a statement yesterday morning.

"Recently, it was discovered that a so-called 'joke' about assassinating the Premier was published on an anonymous online messaging board with a history of hateful comments against the [PLP].

"Assassination is no laughing matter. To this end, we have notified the Bermuda Police Service about this threat and asked for an investigation.

"While we encourage and support freedom of speech — including anonymous speech — comments alluding to violence and assassination must be taken seriously. Assassination is never a laughing matter.

"Given the tone set by commenters such as those on the anonymous message board and in the media, we must not deny that the potential for political violence exists in our society."

When asked if he was speaking on behalf of the Premier, Mr. Simmons said: "It is from me in my capacity as press secretary."

The Royal Gazette contacted the poster, who declined to comment. We also contacted the administrator of the online forum, who did not reply by press time but yesterday posted this message: "Buddha Bunny, I know nothing was meant by your comment, but it just goes to show that in this climate of fear and paranoia, you must always be on your guard.

"This too shall pass, just one last 'hoorah' on the way out the door."

Soon after Buddha Bunny posted: "This is just too silly for words. How can casual banter be misconstrued as an assassination threat? Are these people for real? We do have real people with real guns, who are actually shooting real people, but do we hear anything meaningful from our Government on that issue? No."

This is not the first time alleged threats to the Premier have hit the headlines.

In 2007, during the run-up to that General Election, a package sent to Dr. Brown containing a bullet and a threatening letter was intercepted by staff at the airport sorting office.

Police have never revealed the outcome of their investigation into the incident. Shadow Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley has said he believes it was "a concocted story".

In 2006 a top chef left the Island following allegations that he claimed arsenic had been put in a meal he prepared for Dr. Brown. Then Immigration Minister Derrick Burgess said the chef acted in way that was "tantamount to threatening an act of terrorism, a criminal act of a most heinous nature".

Yesterday, Opposition leader Kim Swan said: "The matter of an irresponsible blog post directed at outgoing Premier Brown correctly needed to be referred to the Police. And then the Police should investigate and decide whether it represents a real threat or not, and if so take appropriate action.

"It should not be immediately politicised in the way the Premier's press officer has done. Unless his job description has changed, he is not professionally qualified to make an accurate security assessment."

Mr. Swan urged all members of the public engage in responsible dialogue.

Jonathan Starling, a political blogger and PLP supporter, said he visits the online forum where the alleged threat was posted from time to time.

"Now this particular comment, it is stupid and distasteful. I don't have time for such comments and I do think it invites attacks and misrepresents things. It is unhelpful for dialogue, that is for sure. Do I think they person was serious? No. Do I think the person was stupid and an idiot? Yes.

"Do I think some of the PLP has better things to do? Yes.

"I do think the energy and resources of the PLP, the Cabinet Office and the Police would probably be better used dealing with these shootings, ongoing racial inequalities and the education system."

Asked last night if he thought Police resources could be better used than on an investigation into the alleged threat, Mr. Simmons said: "My comment will stand as is."