7 June 2007 | Bermuda Sun

The Premier and Governor issued a joint statement today playing down reports of a looming constitutional crisis.

Dr. Brown publicly criticized the Governor, Sir John Vereker, last week after a newspaper published details from a stolen police file that implicated him in a corruption scandal at the Bermuda Housing Corporation four years ago.

No prosecutions were brought against any senior figures in the governing party.

Sir John is responsible for the police - the implication being that he should have done more to protect the files.

But today, following more stories, both here and internationally about a crisis looming, the pair issued this statement.

It said: "We met yesterday evening, at the Governor's request, to share our concerns about possible damage to Bermuda arising from recent unauthorized disclosure of material relating to the police investigation into the affairs of the Bermuda Housing Corporation.

"The Governor assured the Premier, as he had done in a letter at the beginning of the week, that he deplored any unauthorized disclosure of correspondence between the police service and the Director of Public Prosecutions, and that an investigation would be pursued diligently. The Governor has advised the Commissioner of Police to seek outside assistance from Scotland Yard.

"The Premier assured the Governor that he and his Government intended to continue to collaborate with Government House, in the best interests of Bermuda, in accordance with their oaths of Ministerial office. The Governor and the Premier took the opportunity to reaffirm their joint commitment to working with the Bermuda Police Service in accordance with their respective responsibilities." MORE!