Students in Bermuda are urging members of the public to join them next week when they celebrate Pan-American Day.

More than 100 of the Island's public and private secondary school students will enjoy a fun-packed day, participating in poetry, pinata-making, salsa dancing, art and music on Friday, April 26.

And throughout the day, a number of guests will also appear to add their flavour to the Latin American event.

Guests include local artist Glen Wilks, who will explain how the Caribbean has influenced his art; Bermudian artist Bruce Stuart, who will show slides and tell about adventures in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; Belen, from Argentina, who is Bermuda's Rotary Club exchange student; and The Howard Rego Band and the Bermuda Salsa Organisation Dancers.

In addition, Bermuda College president Dr. Michael Orenduff and the college dean of arts and science, Roy Wright, will provide provocative insight in a discussion entitled Why Celebrate Pan-American Day?

They believe that many of Bermuda's Spanish students will go on to work in companies that do business with Latin America.

And they will tell their audience that with the formation of the North American Free Trade Agreement for the purposes of promoting free trade and of encouraging economic growth and stability, Bermuda may soon play an important role in promoting economic and political freedom in these countries, with its geographic location and international business ties.

The day will start at 9 a.m. and finish at 3.30 p.m.