Poet Peggy Burns will officially announce the release of her debut CD when Peggy Burns 2000 Production presents `Truthfully Speaking, A Celebration for Bermudians' at the Multi-Purpose Hall at the Bermuda Industrial Union on Friday, November 16 from 8 to 10 p.m.

The CD, "Truthfully Speaking" will be launched that night and the $40 admission will include a CD, a vegetarian meal and cultural evening of entertainment. Seating is limited and on a first-come first-served basis.

Mrs. Burns began working on the CD with Studio B just over a year ago during the Long Term Residence forums. The 12-track CD begins with an introduction by Dr. Eva Hodgson and contains the work by various local artists. Mrs. Burns appears on a couple of tracks herself, speaking about the plight of Bermudians.

"It's my perception and genuine concern about the social climate in Bermuda," said Mrs. Burns.

"I'm really very concerned about the plight of the homeless. During the Long Term Residence issue much attention was given to how long they have been here. But my concern is about all those misplaced Bermudians, those who are homeless still and the children who are going to school without food and returning home to empty cupboards.

"At that time the popular thing by the present Government was Bermudians first. I spoke at the first and second forums and at the third and final forums the Moderator requested that those who spoke before to please give somebody else a chance."

But Mrs. Burns still had more to say, hence the idea to produce the CD was born.

"That was the birth of the idea and I never dreamt that it would evolve to this," she said.

"All the music is original."

Mrs. Burns appears on three tracks, including `Distress Signals" as well as a voice over during the last track containing a medley of all the artists.

Tickets for the reception will be available the week prior from the Music Box, Christian Book Store or from Mrs. Burns by calling 297-1624.