A union organiser called on the black community to work together and put its interests first at last week's Black Agenda 2003 forum.

"Black Bermudians have always been a compassionate and caring people and we must continue to do so," he told the audience of close to 400. "But it is now time for us to put our own interest first, if we are to have any chance of changing the negatives/the hate we see impacting our community today.

"We must develop strategies and programmes that serve our best interest and allow them to both develop and protect ourselves within this society that has historically committed harmful acts against us."

Mr. Scott was one of several presenters at the forum, which covered a range of issues including relations between black men and women, the impact of the growth of international business on the black community and the plight of young black men.

"We have an opportunity to construct a long term institution that would transcend generational lines and will produce a never ending flow of competent, well informed new talent," Mr. Scott said.

"Young black men must have a public policy and a plan for direction. All segments of our community - churches, schools, businesses, trade unions and community organisations - must be involved in formulating and implementing this plan."

He said: "No longer can we as a community seek out one person or organisation that will have sole responsibility for advocating our plight. We need to develop and support many advocates that will support our public policies."

Mr. Scott also called for a "radical redistribution of wealth and economic power to achieve even a simple form of economic justice".