The United Bermuda Party has urged the Filipino community to take part in the Bermuda Day Parade despite "insensitive" comments made by Immigration Minister David Burch.

The Association of Filipinos in Bermuda this week said they would withdraw from the annual event over concerns women could be subjected to public ridicule and verbal abuse. Citizens of the Philippines, Dominican Republic and Panama were required to have visas to enter Bermuda as of the beginning of this month. According to Senator Burch, the idea was to crack down on women brought here to work as prostitutes or as wives in "sham marriages".

The association responded with a letter to Sen. Burch and the Human Rights Commission. Members stated Sen. Burch's comments caused "untold amounts of abuse directed at the Filipino women by some members of the Bermudian community" and therefore they could no longer participate in the parade.

Yesterday, UBP leader Kim Swan said he hoped they would change their mind.

"I am very disappointed that careless words by a Government Minister have resulted in the Filipino community deciding to withdraw from the Bermuda Day Parade.

"I would encourage the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda to reconsider its decision with a view to participating in the parade, which is a celebration of Bermuda's cultural life. It is a day that is supposed to bring people together. Although people have described Immigration Minister David Burch's words as those of a bigot, I think they are more reflective of an insensitive mindset.

"I am more concerned with the licence he has been given to speak in such a way — to slur groups of people."

He added that he was disturbed that Minister Burch's comments were another example of a Government officials "denigrating people".

He cited Sen. Marc Bean calling environmentalists "pimps and prostitutes" and claimed Health Minister Walter Roban used "ageist" language when referring to MP Louise Jackson, as other examples.

"Our concern — which has been voiced before — comes back to the example set by the Premier [Ewart Brown], who has always found it easier to use words that divide rather than unify Bermuda," Mr. Swan said.

"His use of harsh, divisive words is well-established and has set the tone for others in his Government. To put it into the right context for a better Bermuda, ask yourself: Is this how Nelson Mandela would have it?"