Senators and MPs were urged to attend racial sensitivity training programmes yesterday during a race awareness day on the Island. Yesterday was the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE) marked the occasion with a host of speakers and entertainment at City Hall.

CURE called for better interaction between Government departments, claiming this would enable them to work together in developing common strategies to tackle issues of racism.

And the media was called upon to collaborate on issues of racism, and it was suggested that a forum be set up to hold the media accountable.

Angie and Greg Kok spoke about the healing that had taken place in South Africa since anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela had been released from prison. The Acting Minister of Community Affairs and Sport, Minister without Portfolio Neletha Butterfield, read the proclamation. She said: "The Bermuda Government reaffirmed its commitment to the purposes and principles of equality and non-discrimination stated in the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights."

The Warwick Academy orchestra played When Justice Rolls Down Like The Waters to a reading about the lives of Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko.

The Somersfield Academy Choir and Recorder Performance Group wooed the audience with Small Blue Planet, and the Bermuda Institute Steel Band closed the event with Let There Be Peace On Earth.