Opposition Leader Grant Gibbons described debate at his party's annual conference as "provocative, irritating, humane and thoughtful".

The United Bermuda Party's get-together at Elbow Beach on Saturday was as much a discussion forum as a "rallying the troops" affair, with a range of internal and external speakers providing lively debate throughout the day.

"I think it has been a great day," Mr. Gibbons told around 90 delegates at the conclusion of the final session of the conference.

"We have had a day typical of the UBP, it has been provocative, irritating, humane and thoughtful. Although the election campaign represented great team-work, we haven't really had a get together since the December conference last year.

"This is a useful opportunity for me to give a little but of a sense of where we stand now. Although we were not successful in forming a Government, the difference between winning and losing was only 151 votes. But anyone who thinks we aren't having an impact on Government only has to look at the Throne Speech.

"Openness, fairness, good governance, a sudden interest in building houses, these are our ideas. Many of these were taken from our platform.

"It is clear that they got the message, but the question is, will they now deliver?

"We have no interest in simply standing by and watching. We remain energetic and unwavering in seeking to move forward on issues such as tourism, housing, education and the criminal justice system."

He added that the UBP had already attempted to make some changes this term, with a move to alter the rules of the House to make it "more efficient and effective" and a code of conduct to prevent a repeat of the "shameful" use of racial issues by the PLP for political point-scoring during the election campaign.

The morning session of the conference saw a public discussion forum cover such issues as race, prostitution, gambling, drugs, seniors welfare, the law, religion, tourism and housing.

The lively debates saw a selection of panellists engage the membership on a range of controversial topics during some quite heated and passionate exchanges.

The afternoon sessions allowed two teenagers a chance to address members and key figures in the party on youth issues with Zahra Muhammad and Jache Adams both delivering mature and powerful messages to the assembled audience.

Mr. Adams was particularly impressive on the microphone with his views on youth culture and violence, insightfully summing-up the view of Bermuda youth with the statement: "Don't treat me like a child, but don't expect me to act like an adult."

Keynote speaker Clifton Taulbert, a Pullitzer Prize nominee and author of 'Once Upon a Time When We Were Coloured', received a standing ovation after a thought-provoking presentation on the importance of community in breaking down barriers, particularly those of race.