Meetings tackling racism, featuring skits and debates, will be held all over the island tonight.

The Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE) is sponsoring the forums at Penno's Wharf, St. George's, St. Paul's Centennial Hall, Hamilton, St. Anthony's Church Hall, Warwick and St. James' Church Hall, Sandys. All meetings will be held at 7.15 p.m.

The meetings are in conjunction with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21 which commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa.

Premier Jennifer Smith will read a lunchtime proclamation for the elimination of racism in Bermuda at Number One Shed next Thursday at a ceremony in the Harbour Room from 12.30 to 1.30 p.m. The Premier will also receive resolutions from the public forums.

CURE chairperson Norma Nielson said: "We are encouraging everyone to come out to the skit and dialogue evening which we believe will go a long way to getting everyone to think about what we each can do to make a difference to eliminate racial discrimination in Bermuda.

"This is an exciting opportunity to be able to do something personally while also having a chance to share those ideas with a wider audience."

The forums will feature a performance by the In Motion School of Dance and Waterspout Theatre and the dialogue will be organised by the Diversity Institute of Bermuda.

There will be music and stalls at next week's lunch time proclamation programme and CURE Commissioner Dr. Arnold Hollis will be the M.C.