Former Opposition leader Michael Dunkley has been accused by certain members at Mid Ocean Golf Club, including current president Shirley James, of leading a coup which would allow an elitist group they label the "40 Thieves" – the term given to to the wealthy white families who once dominated Bermuda business – to regain control of the prestigious Tucker's Town club.

Members at the club, which earlier this year hosted the PGA Grand Slam, appear to have been divided by what some have described as a "disgusting personal attack" on James' deputy, vice-president David Ezekiel, by former president Dunkley, who they claim has solicited votes behind the backs of the club's board in an attempt to again take over the presidency, a position he has already held twice.

Ezekiel, chairman of the Association of Bermuda International Companies and a former chairman of Port Royal GC, and Opposition Senate leader Dunkley, are two of the club's most prominent members, along with Premier Ewart Brown.

With only shareholders, and not general members, able to cast their vote at tomorrow's Annual General Meeting, it now appears certain that Dunkley will be reinstated for a third term as president as the majority of shares are owned by less than a dozen families who are believed to have offered their support to the former United Bermuda Party leader.

Following a letter to the club's membership by president James (see Page 24), decrying Dunkley's 'behind-the-scenes' electioneering, an anonymous letter purportedly written by golfers who signed themselves "Mid Ocean members who need to protect their identity in case Mr. Dunkley and his associates prevail" was then sent to the media and copied to Premier Brown who joined the club earlier this year.

"It has become evident that the infamous '40 Thieves' and their followers hope to regain control of a high profile Bermudian institution which appears to be slipping from their control," they wrote.

James, who will stand down at tomorrow's AGM, wrote: "That David Ezekiel should be targeted in this manner by a group with only their own selfish interests at heart is, in my opinion, despicable and I find their actions offensive in the extreme."

Dunkley, however, has vehemently denied the allegation and has offered his own version of events leading up to this week's AGM, also writing a letter to members. Mr. Dunkley has not released that letter and The Royal Gazette has not been able to obtain a copy of it.

He has been staunchly supported by a group including long-time member Michael Dela Hunty (see separate story this page).

Golfers, many of whom are well known in the business community, say the conflict has created an uneasy atmosphere leading up to tomorrow's elections.

James' letter alleged that a small group of members had been "working behind the scenes in a campaign . . . targeted to delete my Vice-President, David Ezekiel, and certain proposed new appointees to the Board and to enlist Mr. Dunkley who has already served very many years on the board.

"As you may be aware, only a small number of shares in Mid Ocean Club are in the hands of active members, with the vast majority being owned by the families who were first involved in the establishment of Mid Ocean in the 1950s. Most of these families still hold Mid Ocean in high esteem, but very few are active members and as a result, have very little knowledge of the workings of the club on a daily basis.

"Mr. Dunkley and his group have sought to take advantage of this situation and have been visiting the major shareholders in their homes, and have persuaded many of them to sign over their proxies to support Mr. Dunkley and his slate, which includes a member recommended for retirement from the Board by the Nominating Committee. I understand that Mr. Dunkley, who has already served two terms as President between 1999-2005 is proposing himself as the next President.

". . . in the past week I have been approached by a member who was also deeply offended that this group had visited his aged mother in her home, a lady who has had no regular contact with the club for years, and persuaded her to sign a proxy to support their position."

Contacted by this newspaper, Dunkley said he had the "utmost respect" for James, but preferred not to comment and suggested DeLa Hunty be contacted regarding the controversy.

DeLa Hunty admitted shareholders had been approached for their proxy votes, but denied his group had done anything underhanded.

"There have not been any shenanigans," he said. "Both myself and Michael (Dunkley) have been completely open with Shirley (James) regarding the proxy votes."

Ezekiel was also initially reluctant to comment on the situation but yesterday offered the following statement:

'After my initial no comment I have re-read the (anonymous) letter and as much as I want to just get beyond this upsetting situation, I have to clarify where I personally stand on some issues raised in the letter.

"As upset as I am at those who brought about this situation at the club, I am mortified that it has reached this level of exposure in the public domain and that the Mid Ocean name risks being tarnished . . . I think this is a club matter and that it needed to be aired within the club and its members, but with such a wide membership there was always a danger that this would happen and now that it is out there it has to be addressed.

"I have many good friends within the shareholder group of Mid Ocean, including some who may have tendered their proxies to the alternative slate, and I think it unfair and over the top that their motivations are being called into question . . . as I do not think that is where this problem was created or where it persists.

"Whilst I and many others believe that, in the interests of fairness, the shareholders should have sought the views of the president and the current Board on any issues that were raised by this group before taking any action for danger of being misled (as I think they were), I strongly believe the vast majority of the shareholders have only the best interests of the club at heart, and that includes its position in the community.

"This sorry situation is not the doing of any of the shareholders, large or small, and any focus, criticism or support in relation to this affair should be directed at those who are at the root of it , and the extraordinary lengths they have gone to in order to achieve their ends.

"I believe very strongly, as one who has participated in many meetings and discussions at the club, that Mid Ocean has recently made great strides in being inclusive and in being a part of the wider community , particularly under Mrs James' leadership, and I know that she has had the full support of the Board in that objective.

"Whilst there is much more to be done, I am confident that this will continue into the future with the right people at the helm. I have, and always will, work for the betterment of the club and its members and anyone who has worked alongside me knows that to be the case."