Saturday was the 40th anniversary of the founding of the United Bermuda Party which has celebrations planned over the coming months.

A series of events will recognise the party?s achievements and the individuals who served as UBP Parliamentarians, party officials and volunteers.

Party leader Grant Gibbons said: ?The courageous men and women who launched the United Bermuda Party in the 1960s set high standards for service.

?This racially and culturally diverse group united behind the then-revolutionary and controversial dream of working in equal partnership to improve the lives of all Bermudians, and their ideals continue to inspire us today.

?To honour and recognise their vision, we will hold a reunion in early fall for past and present United Bermuda Party Parliamentarians.

?Our branches will hold local events, and our anniversary celebration will culminate in a special evening for all United Bermuda Party supporters.?

The United Bermuda Party was founded during a time of profound social change during the civil rights struggle.

After the General Election of 1963, Sir Henry Tucker, then a senior member of Parliament, convinced many of his colleagues the time had come for a new approach to politics, and the United Bermuda Party was formed under his leadership.

The party proposed the following reforms:

Desegregation of all Government aided schools, the building of new schools, and improving the standard of education for all Bermuda?s schoolchildren.

Extension of the school leaving age from 11 to 16.

A reduction of the voting age from 25 to 21 and the abolition of the property vote.

The provision of old-age pensions, hospital insurance and workmen?s compensation.

Provisions for streamlining the island?s economic and financial arrangements.

?From the beginning, the concept of black and white Bermudians working together as equals to move Bermuda ahead was what set the United Bermuda Party apart,? said Dr. Gibbons.

?Many who joined the party faced contempt and threats from those on both sides of the racial divide.?

In 1968, Sir Henry said: ?The most important situation to be dealt with by the people of Bermuda is the continued improvement in race relations

?It is not only the responsibility of Government, it is not only the responsibility of political leaders; the problem belongs to all of us, and must be solved in the churches, in our sports development, in our social contacts and in the day to day exposure of us all to the men and women of the other race.

?We must consciously work for racial agreement. It is the duty of every Bermudian of every age, and of both races to do everything within their power to see that the evil effects of racial hatred are avoided.?

Later, Sir Edward Richards, who served as the party?s second leader and Bermuda?s first black Premier, said, ?I was threatened and called names, but I was never worried.

?To me it was necessary that the membership of both parties and people of both races work together for the benefit of the country.?

Over the next several decades, the United Bermuda Party worked to lay the foundation for social and economic progress that has benefited all Bermudians and continues to serve Bermuda in the 21st century, said Dr. Gibbons.

He said the following were highlights:

Following the institution of universal adult suffrage, the UBP moved to lower the voting age and abolish the property vote.

The UBP desegregated public schools and created the modern, free public-school system.

The UBP introduced human rights legislation to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity and gender, and established the Human Rights Commission and CURE.

The UBP created the Hospital Insurance Plan (HIP) with special benefits for seniors, children and the indigent, workmen?s compensation, social insurance and the National Occupational Pension Scheme.

The UBP established the Bermuda Housing Corporation and built hundreds of affordable housing units to meet the needs of Bermudians.

The UBP set the precedent for high international ratings for management of Bermuda?s financial position.

The UBP created the framework for a strong, two-sector economy through development of tourism and international business

?In spite of our many achievements, the United Bermuda Party understands that there is still unfinished business,? said Dr. Gibbons.

?As a top priority, we must continue to address and improve race relations by fighting polarisation and divisiveness and focusing on unity. We must empower our people and ensure every Bermudian has the same economic opportunities and is provided with the tools to take advantage of them.

?There are so many critical needs crying out for attention in our community-issues like affordable housing, better care for seniors, an educational system that actually works for our children and a diversified economy.

?Forty years ago, the founders of the United Bermuda Party recognised the need for a new approach to solving problems and improving the lives of Bermudians.

?Today, we recommit to that vision, by approaching the challenges of the 21st century with a shared sense of purpose and unity.?