Equality and inclusion for all: that was the sentiment celebrated yesterday when the international day for the elimination of racial discrimination was heralded in Bermuda.

However, Government's race relations consultant Rolfe Commissiong said most black Bermudians would view such declarations as hollow unless "concrete legislative steps" are taken to bring about greater racial equality economically.

The international day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966, and has been celebrated in Bermuda since 1996.

Reading a proclamation for the event which actually falls on Sunday, March 21 Minister for Culture and Social Rehabilitation Neletha Butterfield said that for Bermuda: "More still needs to be done to work towards the elimination of racial discrimination; more still needs to be done to work towards the elimination of institutional racial discrimination; and more still needs to be done to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups."

However, she added: "Although more still needs to be done, we have come a long way since the execution of Sally Bassett, and the attainment of equal voting rights. Both blacks and whites have embraced the equal opportunity for political achievement and we must celebrate our successes. But the journey is not yet complete and it will not be complete until equality is achieved for all racial groups in Bermuda. The Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation has a vision which seeks to promote better race relations and equality in Bermuda."

She said the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality is working to combat racism, and noted: "The tackling of racial discrimination is a process of relationship building, of changing mindsets, and sometimes of legislating change."

The issue of race recently hit the headlines when Dueane Dill, a member of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance, accused Mr. Commissiong of calling him a "house nigger" during a dispute over politics. Mr. Commissiong strenuously denies using the slur.

Mr. Dill attended the celebration of the international day yesterday, but Mr. Commissiong did not. Invited to comment afterwards, Mr. Commissiong replied: "Without concrete legislative steps to bring about greater racial equity economically for black Bermudians legislatively, such declarations can be viewed by most black Bermudians as hollow.

"This is what we really, as a community, need to embrace rather than mere declarations which at worst can appear to be no more than mere words, which have the effect of making those that participate in these events feel good but do virtually nothing to move the country forward on this score.

"We must have a real commitment to racial equity (economically), one that I hope the community and the Government will embrace and one that will move Bermuda into the 21st Century."

Mr. Dill said: "I believe in and subscribe to any action that will eliminate racial discrimination and was pleased to be able to attend the issuing of the proclamation and to support such ideals.

"Simply put racial discrimination is wrong and we must all do what we can to not just eliminate it but prevent it as well."

Also in attendance at the event were Opposition Leader Kim Swan, Bishop of Bermuda Patrick White and Mayor of Hamilton Charles Gosling.