Attendees of the Bermuda Employers' Council (BEC)'s Annual General Meeting next week have been promised a "vibrant and thought-provoking panel discussion" by BEC president Graham Redford.

The event, which will be held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess hotel on Wednesday December 2 at 12 p.m., will feature a line-up of Government backbencher Dale Butler, Bermuda College economist Craig Simmons, columnist and researcher Larry Burchall, the Association of Bermuda International Companies executive director Richard Winchell, and the Bermuda Public Service Union general secretary Ed Ball.

Among the potential topics for debate will be the Employment Brief from the Department of Statistics, the Ronald Mincy report and the Bermuda First report, as well as the BEC's own 'The Shift' - an analysis of the trends in Bermuda's Workforce.

"There has been much discussion in recent weeks about what might be perceived as disparities in pay between Bermudian and non-Bermudian employees, black and white employees and males and females," said Mr. Redford.

"The BEC believes that such discussion is healthy when it is based on informed and reliable data. We constantly promote the need to review statistics in a meaningful way and to analyse good data in a balanced manner that is factual and not perception based. We will present what should be a vibrant and interactive panel discussion on this basis.

"Sensible debate based on facts can only lead to sensible conclusions and decision making. We look forward to seeing a broad cross section of the employer community and interested members of the public at this event.

"We are really looking forward to this. Bermudians need to talk about issues in the workplace honestly and openly. We must recognise the emotions that come into play, but also we must recognise the economic needs for our continued survival. We have the ability to deal with these issues and we believe our panel discussion will help us to do this."

For tickets or more information about the event contact Kristin Eve at the Bermuda Employers' Council on 295-5070 or email keve@bec.bm