Charities that fail to file annual accounts will be named and shamed for a second time later this year, Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler warned yesterday.

He told a press conference that almost a hundred of Bermuda's 408 registered charities have still failed to disclose their finances to Government despite a Senate report in June declaring them "delinquent". The Registrar-General sent letters to 145 non-profit organisations which were behind with their reporting in June and 46 have since responded. That leaves 99 non-reporting groups at risk of losing their registered charity status if they don't file accounts before September 30.

Mr. Butler said: "The charities that have not reported by September 30 will have their name published in the newspaper with a final request to have their finances submitted."

He said after that their details would be sent to the Charities Commission, which would determine whether they could retain their status and continue fundraising.

"Charitable organisations in Bermuda collectively raise millions of dollars annually to enable them to fulfil their charitable purposes," said Mr. Butler. "My Ministry, and indeed the Government, does not intend to treat lightly the issue of registered charities whose financials are not up-to-date.

"Charities must be reminded that since they raise funds from the public, they have a responsibility under the law to report how those funds have been managed."

Of the 99 delinquent organisations, 67 have not reported for more than one financial year and 32 have not reported for less than a year.

Charities are required to submit a statement of accounts to the Registrar-General annually within six months of the end of each financial year.

Mr. Butler said there was a high number of charities which were many years behind in reporting. He added that those struggling to file accounts could contact the Center on Philanthropy for help.

The Social Rehabilitation Ministry which was newly formed last October when Premier Ewart Brown came to power is reviewing changes to the legislation which governs charities on the Island, with a new Act due in the autumn.