hear internationally-acclaimed storyteller Mr. Paul Keens-Douglas.

Mr. Douglas, who is here as a guest of the West Indian Association for Heritage Month, describes himself as a clean "Bill Cosby-type'' who -- through storytelling -- can educate others about values, Caribbean culture, and current issues such as drugs and AIDS.

And that is why he was invited here, West Indian Association's president Mr.

Huron Vidal yesterday told The Royal Gazette .

"He's not the type of storyteller who tells sex jokes. He always has a message and I think it is very appropriate for Bermuda.'' Therefore, Mr. Vidal said, he was disappointed when he contacted Chief Education Officer Mr. Dean Furbert last week to see if a show could be put on for students, or at least drama students, with the department absorbing some of the cost.

Mr. Furbert said due to the Department's limited budget he did not feel the funds were available.

"I recognise it would be an opportunity,'' he said. "But funding is limited and it is not a good time for high school students because they are right in the middle of a very heavy exam period.'' Mr. Douglas, who is willing to visit at least three schools at no expense to them during his week's stay, said the problem with the Education Department was not unique to Bermuda.

The Trinidadian-born writer, poet, storyteller and entertainer said students in the Caribbean are only able to hear him if principals or teachers invite him.

"Some of the harder shows to get sponsorship for is children shows,'' Mr.

Douglas said. "And the children who need it (storytelling) most don't get it because they cannot afford to go to shows and they can't get it at school''.

Explaining that the education system in the Caribbean does not set aside funds for such events, Mr. Douglas said: "We have a whole generation of children who are growing up using no local educational things.

"I think people have become tired of computers and television. They want to talk to each other. I think children, if introduced to storytelling, will love it and adults too because it's about life and it's funny.'' Mr. Douglas, who is a former radio broadcaster and a trained sociologist, helped set up a readers' club called Second Hand Book Shop in several Caribbean schools, allowing children, particularly those who could not otherwise afford it, to borrow books about storytelling and other subjects.

But he stressed that the education system should make allowance in schools for storytelling which helps to develop organisational and verbal communication skills.

He said storytelling could also be effective on the job in helping the lines of communication, particularly between management and staff.

Mr. Douglas, who visited Bermuda in 1985 and 1987, has published six volumes of his work and recorded 12 albums and cassettes.

He said most of the material he performs tonight and tomorrow -- at the City Hall, beginning at 8 p.m. -- will be new work that should appeal to a wide-ranging audience.

Some of his cassettes and books, including a volume collection called "Tanti At De Oval'', will also be on sale.

Both Mr. Vidal and Mr. Douglas said they hope that the Education Department or individual schools will at least purchase some of these.

Tickets for the shows are $20 and available at the City Hall Box Office.