a permanent exhibition on the history of Bermudians.

"Such a project is vital because it is imperative that we know, understand and respect ourselves,'' he said.

"The project of which I speak will be monumental, will require significant expertise, the appropriate physical plant and will extend over a period of years.'' Mr. Furbert was speaking at the weekly lunch of Hamilton Lions Club at the Princess Hotel.

He said a committee had been formed to find a possible site for the exhibition, and work out what would be placed on display.

Committee members were Mrs. Amanda Outerbridge, Ms Francis Eddy, Mrs. Jean Hannant, Miss Grace Rawlins, Mr. John Adams, Ms Nan Godet, Mr. Michael Hutley, Mrs. Louise Jackson, Ms Mary Winchell, Miss Ruth Thomas and Mr. Dale Butler.

Mr. Furbert explained the project had replaced the idea of a Cultural Centre.

"Through reevaluation and recent developments I have shifted my stance and am placing emphasis on the establishment of an exhibition rather than a performance facility,'' he said.

Mr. Furbert told Rotarians of what he envisaged for the exhibition.

"In the physical plant of which I speak I can visualise a display which depicts the Premiers who have served our country and a display of their wives.

"The display will tell the story of the roles the wives played, their involvement in charities and show the dresses they wore.'' He added: "I see figures of Gombeys, of music being played in the background.

"I see pictures of the Belco riot, universal adult suffrage movement and other historical events that have helped to correct a system that was not right.

"I see a thin screen and behind the screen is a house with a dim light. In the yard is a lady in the chair with a man standing over her.

"She is talking to little children and telling them what it was like to be a slave in Bermuda.

"I see people of Portuguese, Italian, French, Caribbean and English backgrounds and others standing up to testify what this country means to them.

"I see many people of many cultures telling their struggles, seeing their pains, recounting their stories and proclaiming their victories that made Bermuda what it is today.'' Mr. Furbert admitted there was concern such a project would overshadow existing museums and historical houses.

"These do play a vital role through their display of segments of our history.

However, the chronic need exists for a permanent exhibition that displays the history of all the Islands' people from 1609 to current times.

"This would offer the opportunity for the celebration of our people and would facilitate the growth of respect for one another.

"Currently, this lack of knowledge is giving rise to suspicion and a lack of trust.

"Hearsay is being reinforced as fact because of a lack of information.''