Proposed legislative changes to the way charities are governed will be the subject of a public meeting tonight.

According to Minister of Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler, a "full and frank discussion of the impact of the proposed changes" will take place at the event, which kicks off at 6 p.m at the Cathedral Hall in Hamilton.

The discussion is the final round of public consultation on proposed changes to administration of charities. Mr. Butler said: "I encourage everyone with an interest in charities in Bermuda to attend this important meeting. Whether members of a charity, contributors to charity or beneficiaries of charity, this discussion is part of the public consultation the Ministry of Social Rehabilitation is committed to in our desire to ensure Bermuda is well served by the more than 400 charities currently registered on the Island."

Earlier this month, Mr. Butler warned charities about failing to file their annual accounts. He told a press conference that almost a hundred of Bermuda's 408 registered charities have failed to disclose their finances to Government - despite a Senate report in June declaring them delinquent, and the risk of losing their registered status.

The Minister said he is keen to get feedback before he makes rrecommendations to Cabinet on topics including financial reporting and reporting methods.

For more information on the meeting, contact Renee Brown on 296-7575.