Race Relations: Bridging the great divide

Here’s the situation

The most divisive factor in Bermudian life relates to us pulling ourselves apart, either because of race or just because we have different political views.

There can be neither peace nor sustained prosperity in Bermuda until this crucial issue has been fully addressed and resolved. We must break the chains of any remaining vestiges of racial discrimination in Bermuda once and for all.

Here’s the Plan

There cannot be a White Bermuda and a Black Bermuda. We must build a Bermuda of One People of many races.

We must embark as a community on a process of soul searching and consultation to reach consensus on what must be done to fully achieve reconciliation and equity.

To this end we recommend:

• Political leaders set the example. We call on the PLP to sign a code of conduct between all parliamentarians to ensure that no MP use racial slurs and that they encourage party members to follow suit.
• A top-level conference of business, community and political leaders to devise a strategic plan to eradicate racial discrimination and promote equality.
• Recognizing education reform as an urgent national priority.
• Enacting our Economic Empowerment Bill which:

• Sets aside 20% of Government's spending on goods and services for small businesses, which amounts to approximately $60 million.
• Provides for the training of small business people on how to bid for Government contracts.

Developing programmes to train individuals within our criminal justice system to be productive and contributing members of society, including after-care assistance for those struggling with drug addiction.