Diversity, direction and determination are the key ingredients needed for the Progressive Labour Party to become the next Government, a speaker said on Saturday night.

But the party faithful must be prepared "to stick to the wicket'' and remember that "where there is no struggle there is no progress.'' That was the thrust of the keynote address that Bermudian entrepreneur Shelby Durham Jackson delivered at the party's 30th Annual Conference banquet inside the Mid Ocean ampitheatre at the Southampton Princess Hotel.

Mrs. Durham Jackson's topics ranged widely during her 40 minute address to an audience of 510 persons.

She fused family anecdotes, with her primary and high school experiences, with reflections of her rise to become one of the premier health care providers in Pennsylvania throughout her speech that was frequently interrupted by applause.

"As Bermudians we are an industrious, disciplined, educated, competitive people,'' she said. "Historically these have been our attributes.

"Because of these qualities our Island is attracting and appealing to a global market.'' However, Mrs. Durham Jackson, the president and CEO of Rehab Options Inc., a health management firm based in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, said that diversity, and its proper management, is a fundamental component of the Island's continued success in these areas.

"Each (Bermudian) possess our own unique qualities,'' she continued, "but in spite of our differences we have so much to offer.

"Today our Bermudian work force is comprised of teachers, educational policy makers, engineers and doctors and lawyers.. .and so much more.'' And this group of people, she said, will continue the struggle for equality into the next generation.

Mrs. Durham Jackson said that Bermudians have acquired the necessary skills to work interdependently for the betterment of the Island under a Progressive Labour Party banner.

"Today the Progressive Labour Party is there for us as Bermudians to ensure that we do not lose sight of our direction for Bermuda.

"As Bermudians we can take comfort in the fact that our party leader is on record and is willing to be held accountable...that under the Progressive Labour Party leadership, progress, prosperity and liberty will be based on the fair principle of equality of opportunity and fair reward for all.'' But in order to make this real, she urged PLP supporters to direct their energies to obtaining political power.

Once that is achieved she said the next step is to make sure that economic opportunities are expanded to encompass more Bermudians.

"In order for us to effectively accomplish our goals we must share our vision and our direction with our youth,'' she added.

"...All of us must be fearless, determined leaders. It will not be easy, but we must be determined to stick to the wicket just like our forefathers, for what is fair and equitable and in the common interest of all Bermudians.'' SHELBY DURHAM JACKSON -- Keynote speech.

POLITICS PTL