A "spirited, frank and challenging" book addressing racism in Bermuda has been released by the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE).

Author Eva Hodgson described her book, 'The Experience of Racism in Bermuda and in its Wider Context: Reflections of Dr. Eva Hodgson', as an expanded version of an essay she once wrote.

She said she penned it in response to discussions in the media over whether black people were as racist as whites, and arguments that we should not dwell on past issues such as Bermuda's segregated past.

Dr. Hodgson added: "It is that past which has created the tremendous economic and social disparity between the black and the white communities."

Publication of the book was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation.

"The book reflects on racism in a way that is spirited, frank and challenging," said Culture and Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler.

"For many years, groups and people, including the Government of Bermuda and CURE, have worked hard to bring race issues and the history of racism in Bermuda to the forefront of public consciousness.

"Any action, policy, ideology or structure which works to the relative disadvantage of one group of people, over another, needs to be examined and discussed. The history of those structures warrants critical and repeated attention.

"How did we come to this point, as a people? How will we tackle current-day inequities? Can we and will we improve race relations to the extent that there is some agreement on success?"

Mr. Butler said although Bermuda had progressed from slavery, there was still evidence of racial tension in community life and employment.

He said he was optimistic that the book and the discussion it may raise would help remove some of the racial barriers.

"Walls of racial discrimination must be removed and replaced with equal access to benefits and quality of life desired by all Bermudians and all people who comprise the Bermuda community," he added.

Executive officer of CURE, Sydney Gibbons, gave a brief timeline of the history of race relations in Bermuda noting the scars and lasting effects it has had.

He said that in 1623 blacks were not allowed to engage in business without consent from their white masters; in 1704 the Insolence of Negroes Act, the punishment of castration, was repealed by Whitehall in England; free negroes and persons of colour were prevented from possessing and inheriting land in 1806; and although slavery was abolished in 1834, Bermuda laws made it very difficult for blacks to vote or run for Parliament and in 1961 universal, but not equal, suffrage was achieved until 2003 where complete universal adult suffrage was achieved on the Island.

He also congratulated Dr. Hodgson on her book, adding: "In this recent work by Dr. Hodgson opportunity is provided to interact with the reflection of a scholar, historian and advocate; one who has echoed a sustained voice in private and public conversations; and through writing on the importance of fairness and justice in matters of race relations in Bermuda.

"We invite the public to read, reflect, add to the dialogue and contribute to building racial harmony in Bermuda," he said.

In her author's note Dr. Hodgson said: "The book is divided into 20 chapters that are sub-divided in three parts. Part one: The Bermuda Experience covers chapters one to nine; Part two: The History and Development of Racism covers chapters 10 to 16 and Part three: The American and South African Experience covers chapters 17 to 20.

"My reflections on each section of the book are self-contained and, therefore, the book provides no formal introduction or formal conclusion. It is my wish that the reading of this book would prove insightful for the reader on the illogical notion of racism that has its roots beyond the shores of Bermuda, and becomes a catalyst for change of attitudes and actions of whites and blacks in Bermuda."

Copies of the book are available through the CURE offices.