Only one third of black Bermudian men believes there are equal opportunities in the work place on the basis of race, compared to nearly three quarters of white men, it was revealed yesterday.

The statistics were explained by Duane Dill, vice president of Atlantic Security Ltd, as he addressed the weekly luncheon meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club.

Speaking about feelings on the Island towards international business, he said: "Our research indicates that in particular, black Bermudian males feel the most disconnected as far as opportunities are involved.

"Statistically, when asked whether there was equal opportunity on the basis of race, 73 percent of white males felt there was equal opportunity against 33 percent of black males.'' The statistics used came from Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA), an association of local companies which supports international business. Mr. Dill is currently the chairman of BIBA's local marketing committee.

He added that, contrary to popular belief, many international employers would in fact welcome employing more Bermudians in their companies.

Mr. Dill said that BIBA had recently changed its focus from raising awareness of international business among the community, to helping `facilitate a greater participation of Bermudians within the industry'.

"The reason for our change of focus was that although more Bermudians were aware of international business, the perception was that Bermudians were not benefiting from it -- that only ex-pats and chief executive officers of large organisations were actually benefiting.'' Mr. Dill added it was his job to change these perceptions by highlighting how support industries were connected with international business.

He said: "Not everyone can be the chief executive officer, however all of us are affected by international business at some level. How we participate is up to us.'' Mr. Dill said much of what he did with BIBA was to drive home the point to Bermudians that in order to participate in the lucrative industry, a solid education was needed as well as the necessary skill sets.

He added: "Our research has also indicated that, contrary to popular belief most international business employers would like to hire Bermudians -- stability, having a stake in the country.

"However we must ensure we are armed with a solid education -- and we have to start with literacy -- and knowing and responding to the skill sets needed by the industry, such as IT (information technology) and e-commerce.'' Before closing at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Mr. Dill said: "Our tiny Island is indeed a world of opportunity - for those who recognise it and take the necessary steps to take advantage of it.''