one of their working class heroes, Dr. E.F. Gordon (Mazumbo).

Clergyman and Progressive Labour Party MP the Rev. Trevor Woolridge told them: "You are liberated, but you are not free.'' The Rev. Woolridge said too many blacks today had become "complacent and comfortable'' with their lot in society.

"What happened to the fight?'' he asked.

And the Hamilton East MP declared: "The time has come to wake up and take responsibility for ourselves.'' His comments came during an awards ceremony at the Bermuda Industrial Union to mark the 100th birthday of civil rights activist Dr. Gordon.

About 70 people turned up for the event organised by the Mazumbo Commemoration Week Committee.

Among those who received certificates for their outstanding contributions to society were school principals Messrs. Melvin Bassett and Dale Butler; primary school educator Ms Muriel Rowling; Sunday school teacher Ms Cynthia Swan; and political satirist Mr. Larry Burchall and columnist Mr. Alvin Williams.

Also honoured were: the Rev. Canon Thomas Nesbitt, for fighting for human rights; Ms June Augustus, for cultural development; Mr. Randolph Horton, for his commitment to sports; Mr. Alfred Carey, for educating and training young people; and Mr. Ghandi Burgess, for contributions to music.

The other recipients were: BIU organiser Mr. Alfred Bean; writer and printer Mr. Lionel Pearman; and Ms Rosalie Douglas and Mr. Hugh Richardson, for their work in the political arena.

Honorary patron of the event was one of the PLP's founding members Mrs.

Aurelia Burch, and the emcee was The Bermuda Times journalist Ms LaVerne Furbert.

Guest speaker the Rev. Woolridge, from Mount Zion AME Church, reminded the audience of Bermuda's past.

He told how BIU founder Dr. Gordon was "one of those forward negroes'', prepared to stand up against the oppressive establishment.

Dr. Gordon used the power of God to bring about change -- and was not one of those who simply prayed and hoped for deliverance, said the Rev. Woolridge.

Brought up in Trinidad, Dr. Gordon decided "enough was enough'' when confronted by segregation.

It was this kind of spirit which needed to be rekindled today.

Unfortunately, said the Rev. Woolridge, too many blacks, while educated, had not continued the fight started by Dr. Gordon.

Instead, they had become "fat and lazy'' and failed to press for true freedom.