forum on race relations heard last night.

The call for openness came during the Commission for the Equality and Racial Equality's public forum on race relations at the Bermuda College.

Panel speaker Keren Lomas said: "I'm a strong believer in having the decisions by the Human Rights Commission publicised.

"If the decisions were publicised than the public would have the confidence to voice their concerns regarding discrimination,'' she said. "It would not deter people from complaining. They would have courage because they know that their concerns would be addressed effectively.'' But Deputy Premier Jerome Dill said that every single complainant who had been before the Commission had said the secrecy aspect should be maintained.

"I think that we need to revisit the issue,'' he added. "But if we do we will be doing so against the expressed advice of those who have raise complaints.'' Panelist Tom Vesey suggested that the Commission publicise cases but withhold the names of individuals.

The audience also heard that a change in Government might help to decrease racism in Bermuda.

"Will Bermuda not become a more mature society if it gets over the fear of changing government,'' Ms Lomas asked. "I'm not advocating either party.''