THE United Bermuda Party is renewing its call for Bermuda to have its own monument commemorating the struggle against slavery.

Acknowledging that such a monument would be largely symbolic, Shadow Race Relations and Economic Opportunity Minister Jamahl Simmons said it would be a vital first step towards the healing process.

Mr. Simmons also pointed out that his party would back up the symbolic gesture with concrete plans for economic empowerment in a drive to further bridge the divide between blacks and whites.

"We have monuments to those lost at sea, to Johnny Barnes, to George Somers so why not to those who suffered under and fought against slavery?

"This is something that we first advocated at the 2003 General Election. We believe that, although symbolic, it would make a statement that we all together oppose and condemn what happened in the past. People say that they are tired of talking about race but really I think they're tired of talking about race in a non-productive manner without coming up with solutions. This at least could be the start of the healing process."

Mr. Simmons said the UBP was also looking at ways of increasing opportunities for those who have been excluded from taking part in the island's economic success story. Describing Government's policy as "ad hoc", Mr. Simmons said the Opposition's position was grounded in three principals ? opportunity, responsibility and unity.

"For example, some small businesses are being excluded from Government contracts and what our approach is is to identify the obstacles and tear down some of the barriers," Mr. Simmons said.

"But what we want to do is widen the opportunity for all rather than trying to settle old scores."