The daughter of civil rights hero Martin Luther King is due to send a "spellbinding" message to the Island when she delivers a series of speeches over the next few days.

Rev. Bernice King ? who will give three talks as part of Government's faith-based tourism season ? was keeping her agenda under wraps when she was introduced to the media yesterday.

But tourism officials confirmed one of her engagements would be to speak "directly" to teenagers of Bermuda on Sunday at 4 p.m., in an address during a youth rally starting at noon that may touch on the dangers of gang violence.

She will also speak to Cabinet Ministers, MPs and clergy members tonight at a private meeting. And another speech will be made to the public on Saturday at 4 p.m, during a open event featuring health screening and counselling sessions.

All three events will be held at the Glory Temple, New Testament Church of God, St. David's.

Pastor Blanche Burchall, of the Glory Temple, said she was looking forward to hosting Rev. King ? and hoped people would listen to a speaker with such historic links.

"We asked her to speak to our youth because she has a unique way of talking to young people. One of the key things she wants to address is young people of Bermuda.

She said that Rev. King had been made aware of gang violence and rising crime in Bermuda. "We want to put the emphasis on our youth and their future and self-esteem," she added.

Tourism Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said Atlanta-based Rev. King came from a family "steeped in pride and history".

He said the speaker was only five when her inspirational father died. Dr. Brown added that she now carried on his legacy teaching tolerance, acceptance and patience on topical issues, while proving to be one of the world's most "powerful, motivating and life-changing speakers" who "leaves her audiences spellbound and challenged".

Asked what her speeches would touch on, Rev. King refused to speculate. "Even when I know a little bit I do not let people know too much because it leaves curiosity out there," she stated.

Speaking briefly about her childhood, she admitted it was strange constantly seeing the iconic picture of her with her late Noble Peace Prize-winning father, a symbolic leader of black America and a global icon.

But she said her mother raised her family not to be "consumed with who we are" but to be "more consumed with our mission and purpose in life".

Bermuda hosts half a dozen faith-based events between August and October, including the Bermuda Super Soulfest, the Bermuda SonFest, the Bridge the Gap Convention and this weekend's Taking it to the Streets, featuring Rev. King.

Dr. Brown yesterday told reporters that the first faith-based tourism season had "hit the ground running". He praised Tourism Board chairman Andre Curtis for generating "overwhelming interest" in the event.