The new leader of the United Bermuda Party (UBP) unveiled an eight-point plan to transform the Island at a celebratory event last night.

Wayne Furbert delivered the party's "New Vision" to rapturous applause from hundreds of supporters at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel ? but although he talked constantly of change, there was little which hadn't already been said before in his speech.

Mr. Furbert, 49, seemed in buoyant mood as he briefly sang to the audience before outlining "eight pathways to a visionary Bermuda": employment, education and training, housing, health care, basic necessities, helping disadvantaged groups, community and racial harmony.

He said: "It was in the depths of despair and concern for our people that a vision for Bermuda began to reveal itself. A vision without a plan is a mere dream. We need to go beyond the dream, draw up a plan and take action.

"The United Bermuda Party has a plan to tackle the issues confronting us."

He said the party would:

* create a tourism authority to remove politics from tourism;

* report on the performance of individual schools to the tax payer;

* encourage the building of multiple dwelling units in high density areas and liberalise height restrictions for special housing initiatives;

* provide free basic health care, prescription drugs and eye glasses for needy seniors;

* formulate a national youth policy;

* address the issue of racial discrimination.

He said racial discrimination had become the most dangerous and destructive force in society.

"Our former leader Grant Gibbons said that there is unfinished business between black and white Bermudians. My generation has to finish that business, once and for all. We can no longer sweep it under the carpet."

Mr. Furbert also outlined changes the party would make to ensure a more accountable Government. These included fixed-term elections, regular referenda and committee meetings which are open to the public.

Earlier, two previous Premiers gave their support to Mr. Furbert.

Sir John Swan said he had never seen a UBP event with such a mixture of people representing all walks of life.

"I'm inspired; I feel young again," he said.

Dr. David Saul said: "Bermuda needs Wayne Furbert. It doesn't really need another seven years of a bunch of people learning on the job."

Members of the audience gave Mr. Furbert a standing ovation at the end of his speech. Earlier they had been treated to music from performers including the New Creation Praise Team, Laurita Adderley and Lady Tyson and short speeches from UBP MPs David Dodwell and Maxwell Burgess.