A low-key approach to racial problems was unveiled by the Opposition yesterday.

And Progressive Labour Party leader Jennifer Smith said the party had opted for "small steps''.

She added that dramatic victories had been won in the 1960s but a different approach was needed to combat institutionalised racism.

Ms Smith said: "Diversity training is one way -- a frank and open discussion is another.'' She added: "Governments cannot legislate such change, but it can certainly take the lead in providing the atmosphere for such change.'' Ms Smith was speaking as PLP MP Ewart Brown, who speaks on race and human relations, unveiled the PLP approach.

Dr. Brown said the PLP represented all the "important bodies which influence public opinion''.

He said: "We believe that race relations can be improved in a number of areas, including sports, employment, places of worship and even politics.

"We live in a small community, our experiences are more similar than different and we believe that proactive policies and programmes can improve human relations in each of these areas.'' He added: "The PLP's solutions include building trust by encouraging the public to look at issues rather than people, to base decisions on facts rather than opinion and by putting into practice policies that discourage the practice of stereotyping.'' And Dr. Brown said education reflecting the make-up of the Island, ensuring all Bermudians come first for Government, providing opportunities for all members of the Island society and ensuring effective rehabilitation for prisoners was available were the first steps forward.

Dr. Brown said integration in the sports world had "mainly'' been due to black clubs closing or members joining previously white ones.

He added: "This time around I hope we can sit down together and be very honest about our differences and resolve them with the future in mind.

"I believe that sports is a good way to start -- but not in a superficial way.'' And he said: "I don't know that we have ever had the leadership of sports clubs come together to discuss race and the part it plays in sport.

"We should be able to discuss it and the PLP believes we can do that.'' Nelson Bascome, who handles Youth and Sport for the PLP, claimed there had been "several disparities'' when it came to financing different sports.

He added: "Sports can only help all Bermudians. We don't want exclusivity -- one sport getting more than other sports.''