century will be discussed next week.

And solutions to steer the Island into better times will also be put forward.

Bermuda's problems come under focus at a forum on Thursday (February 18) held by the African Expressions Committee.

Panellists include committee chairman Mr. Eliyahtsoor Ben Israel, Shadow Housing Minister Mr. Nelson Bascome, and business leader Dr. Yvette Swan.

They have been carefully chosen because of their understanding of the needs of ordinary people, organisers say.

The topic is "The Resolution of the Crisis in Leadership'' -- the committee's theme for the year.

The forum at the Bermuda Industrial Union's headquarters takes place between 8 p.m. and 10.30 p.m.

It is the highlight of a busy week by the committee on the same theme.

Also planned is a static display at the BIU on black history, featuring heroes such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, and Marcus Garvey.

Viewing times are 10 a.m.-9.30 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m.-10.30 p.m., Thursday; 12 noon-6 p.m., Friday and Saturday. There is no charge.

A book review is also planned for Wednesday, 6 p.m.-8.30 p.m., and Bermuda authors will be on hand for signatures.

Mr. Israel, a Hebrew Israelite of African descent, said he was greatly concerned by the direction Bermuda was taking.

It stemmed from a leadership which had lost touch with the people it represented, he claimed.

Symptoms of the problem included the decline in black male life expectancy, and the disproportionate number of black men in prison.

Mr. Israel was also critical of planned education cuts.

"What we are looking for is a fairer society. It is worrying there is no agenda for the year 2,000.''