UBP Environment spokesman Jamahl Simmons called for Bermudians to dispense with racism in a speech to the Hamilton Rotary Club yesterday.

The Howard University graduate told Rotarians: "We still see evidence of bigotry - from demeaning talk on the golf course or in the boardroom to speeches in the House of Assembly. There is still much work to be done.

"We see a disturbing tendency to wrongly attribute to entire groups the objectionable conduct of a few members," he continued.

"If a black Bermudian commits a crime, condemn the act - but remember that most black Bermudians are hard-working, law-abiding citizens. If a white Bermudian denies someone an opportunity just because of his race, condemn the act - but remember the overwhelming majority of white people will find it just as hateful.

"When you see racism, no matter where it comes from, confront it: evil prospers when good men do nothing and remain silent."

Mr. Simmons said in spite of the persistence of prejudice, Bermudians are more integrated and understand the value of that integration better than ever. "Now is the time we should learn together, talk together and act together to build one Bermuda," he said.

"Let me say that I know that for many white Bermudians this conversation may seem to exclude or even frighten them. That must not be so. I believe white Bermudians have just as much to gain as anybody else from being a part of this endeavour - as much to gain from a Bermuda where opportunity exists for everyone."

Mr. Simmons said it was necessary to expand opportunities and combat poverty, "the best antidote to envy, despair and racism". He also said Bermudians must strive to give their children the best education in the world. "There are no children who, because of their racial background, cannot meet the highest academic standards if we set them and measure our students against them, if we give them well-trained teachers and well-equipped classrooms, and if we continue to support reforms designed to achieve excellence."

Mr. Simmons demanded responsibility from Bermudians. "Our strength as a society depends upon people taking responsibility for themselves and their families... No responsibility is more fundamental than obeying the law."

The fight against crime and the fight against drugs is a fight for the freedom of all our people, including those - perhaps especially those - living in our poorest neighbourhoods.

"But respect for the law must run both ways. All of our citizens must respect the law, but the basic rule must be that the law must respect our citizens.

Finally, Mr. Simmons said: "We must build one Bermudian community based on respect for one another and our shared values. We must begin with a candid conversation on the state of race relations today... We have talked at each other and about each other for a long time. It's high time we all began talking with each other.

"If ten years from now people can look back and see the beginning of this honest dialogue and concerted action helped to lift the heavy burden of race from our children's future, we will have given a precious gift to Bermuda."

Stating that the New United Bermuda Party reflected the diversity of the people, Mr. Simmons said: "I am a black man and I am proud of it... but my life has been immeasurably enriched by stepping out of my comfort zone.

"Hatred of people who disagree with us is not the Bermudian way. Basing our self-esteem on the ability to look down on others is not the Bermudian way. Being satisfied if we have what we want and heedless of others who don't even have what they need is not the Bermudian way.

"Will we draw strength from all our people and our faith in the quality of human dignity to become the world's first truly multi-racial democracy? " concluded Mr. Simmons. "That is the Bermuda we challenge each of you to build."