Improving race relations and broadening economic opportunity are key priorities of the Opposition United Bermuda Party's agenda, the party said yesterday.

And David Dodwell will be heading up a new shadow Ministry for race relations and economic opportunity, while Sen. Kim Swan takes over his portfolio as Shadow Tourism Minister.

According to the UBP, race relations have worsened since the Progressive Labour Party was elected to power in 1998.

“In order to bridge this divide we are going to have to spend more time talking with each other,” said Mr. Dodwell.

“It's probably the most important subject that our country faces. If we get this right we'll get everything right in this country.”

Party Leader Grant Gibbons announced the shuffle at a press conference yesterday.

He said he was proud of the diversity of his party but noted that two distinct communities existed in Bermuda today.

“We still have one community that continues to experience pain and anger from the injustices of the past, as well as current challenges, and another community that's frustrated and scared to address race for fear of making a mistake,” he said.

“We believe that there is still unfinished business between black and white Bermudians that must be addressed in order for us to work together as equal partners in the challenges we face.”

He said the UBP aimed to “lead this country by beginning a serious discussion on race, economic opportunity and all the related issues which continue to divide our people”.

“We believe we have a role and responsibility as a political party to work to break down racial barriers in our community and assist in the process of reconciliation.

“The issue of race is not just a black issue. The white community has an important role to play.”

He said Mr. Dodwell had been chosen to head up the new shadow Ministry because of his commitment to work toward the party's “vision of a Bermuda with opportunity for all and special privilege for none” but the entire party “will be fighting for a fairer and more inclusive Bermuda. And all of us will be speaking out against polarisation and divisiveness in our community.”

Sen. Swan's appointment to Mr. Dodwell's old post reflected the fact that he had worked his entire life in the hospitality industry, Dr. Gibbons said.

“Kim has the experience, the dedication and understanding of what's required to restore tourism to its critical place in our economy.”

Mr. Dodwell will likely continue to speak on tourism in the House of Assembly in addition to his new portfolio.

Asked whether the party was confident that Mr. Dodwell's appointment will be embraced by the black community, Mr. Dodwell said that it was “probably a better job for a white person than for a black person”.

“It is better for somebody who is white and respects and understands the issue. And it is something I feel very strongly about.”

Dr. Gibbons added that it was important for white members to “come out and talk about this in a constructive way” but talk will only be one part of the equation, he said.

“The UBP will also come up with substantial programs aimed at broadening economic opportunities so that all Bermudians have an equal shot.

“We believe collectively as a party that racial polarization is a major problem in Bermuda and we are going to tackle it,” said Sen. Swan.

“For too long in Bermuda we've sat idly and allowed people to be drawn into polarisation I have got colleagues here who do not look like me that are thinking like me. Is that a bad thing? I'm proud because I can look you in the eye and say my colleagues are going to make this one Bermuda.”

According to Mr. Dodwell, the UBP had been working on the issue for a year in order to understand it, and, he said, the party will not be voted back into office “unless we get this right”.