special lifetime achievement award.

And the award could lead to trade and cultural spin-offs for Bermuda and its business people.

Ms Smith will receive the award at a conference organised by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa in Florida later this month.

The lifetime achievement award is the highest the non-profit group bestows.

Among those also to receive presentations at the same event are ex-US President Jimmy Carter, ex-Flight Lieutenant and President of Ghana Jerry Rawlins.

Others include Senegal president Abdou Diouf, and C. Payne Lucas, the president of AFRICARE.

And Gombey dancers will feature in a concert to follow a gala banquet thrown by the Washington-based Foundation, set up in 1994 to promote both development and democracy in African nations.

Ms Smith could not be contacted for comment last night.

The Island's Community Network Organisation announced the event in an e-mail release sent to The Royal Gazette .

The statement said: "The Community Network Organisation is seeking to organise a delegation including business people, community leaders and artists who will attend this conference to promote trade and cultural exchange among Bermuda, the United States and African countries.'' PREMIER VIP