Popular inspirational writer ? an friend of Oprah Winfrey ? Ilyana Vanzant will be a featured speaker at teh second World Summit on Women in Public Life next month.

Acting Tourism Minister Michael Scott announced the stellar linup yesterday for the summit, slated to run from May 27-30 at the Fairmont Southampton hotel.

Included among the 18 speakers expected over the four-day event are the president of Spelman College (Johnnetta B. Cole), the executive director of Femmes Africa Solidarite (Benita Diop) and rights activist Charlotte Bunch.

Mr. Scott said the summit ?will explore in-depth the many issues concerning women, especially those which still hold them back from making their full contribution to both the public and business?.

Other speakers expected to attend include Diane Miller, Claudia White, Gloria Serobe, Carol McCall, Mandisa Monakali, Dwayne Bryant and Ms Vanzant.

Organiser Nigel Hickson said running the summit will cost Government approximately $150,000. That amount includes the hiring of the hotel and payment of all other expenses, he said.

But Government recoups some of this expense through company sponsorship and ticket sales, he added.

Summit packages are being offered for a cost of $1,600 with accommodation or $500 without, he said. That amount covers the welcome reception, three continental breakfasts, two lunches and all summit seminars and materials. One-day packages are also available.

Mr. Scott appealed to all companies that have women on their staffs to send representatives. ?Registration is easy,? he said. For more information or to register for the summit call 297-7944 or visit the summit website (www.womeninpubliclife.bm).