The executive director of the Human Rights Commission has denied barring the media from a racism forum.

While admitting he told a reporter from The Royal Gazette the Press was "specifically banned'' from the forum because the HRC's steering committee felt that the media had played its part in perpetuating racism in Bermuda, Kenneth Dill yesterday said he was referring to when participants divided into small groups.

People attending the forum, held on Tuesday night at the Bermuda College, were divided into three different racial categories -- black, white, and those who considered themselves neither black nor white. Each racial group was then separated into smaller groups for 90 minutes to discuss racism in areas such as education, legislation, social interactions and economics.

The three racial groups later converged to discuss implementation strategies.

It was this segment which was opened to the media, Mr. Dill said.

"All of the media were banned from the small groups,'' he further explained.

"The steering committee felt that people were not prepared to express themselves if they were going to be quoted.

"Even if participants were not identified, the committee believed that others would know who they were.'' Commenting on the format of the forum -- which was sponsored by the HRC, the National Association for Reconciliation, The Commission for Unity and Racial Equality, and Amnesty International Bermuda, Mr. Dill said: "This is entirely a new approach (to racism discussions), saying racism is a poison and segregation is responsible.'' "We were very satisfied with the participation and with the strategies,'' he added. "People were forthcoming and honest.'' Participants from each of the racial groups were nominated to serve on a committee to implement the strategies.

The committee will meet on July 10 to establish task forces, Mr. Dill said.

All of the strategies will be published in a booklet which will be available to the public, including the media. And an open thank-you letter, listing the names of each participant, will appear in a half-page advertisement in The Royal Gazette on Monday.

Everyone who participated in the forum will also be invited in September to meet again to hear how the strategies will be implemented.

"This sets about to encourage people to abide by the recommendations on how to achieve implementing the strategies,'' Mr. Dill said.

"Many have indicated that legislation changes are necessary.'' Recommendations for such changes will be forwarded to the Government, he added.

"We were pleased with the commitment of the people who came out and we will encourage the entire community to support these efforts.''