A committee will report on the progress and effectiveness of the Bermuda Race Relations Initiative (BRRI) to Premier Ewart Brown during tonight's final 2007 session of the infamous forums.

Dr. Brown launched the initiative, which has been taking place since March through a series of panel discussions and dialogues designed to tackle the Island's race problem.

The testimonial event will be held at the Elbow Beach Hotel in Paget starting at 7 p.m. until around 9 p.m. with refreshments being served starting at 6.15 p.m.

The committee will comprise of both black and white participants who will hand Dr. Brown a written report, who along with Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs, Wayne Perinchief, will make remarks.

Rolfe Commissiong, BRRI's main organiser and the Premier's consultant, said: "The report will contain their (participants') observations, analysis and recommendations born out of the process of the dialogues of the proceeding months.

"We've heard a lot from the critics of the BRRI during the last few months who have been taking the 'Big Conversation' to task. I might add that many of the critics, if not all of them have never attended one session.

"This will give the Bermudian people a first hand chance to hear of the experiences by way of these testimonials – that their fellow Bermudians, black and white, are willing to share with the community."

Moreover, while commending the Opposition members that have supported the BRRI, such as former leader Wayne Furbert and Senator Gina Spence-Farmer, he hinted the UBP could do more.

He added: "Not withstanding the political schizophrenia occasionally exhibited by the Opposition, it has been a spuriously non-partisan process.

"One should not forget we have very prominent members from the Opposition such as Senator Spence-Farmer, who participated in dialogues and panel discussions. As well as former UBP leader Wayne Furbert who publicly endorsed the BRRI before being deposed as leader."

While Mr. Commissiong hailed the initiative as a resounding success, he acknowledged that white participation in the format had started declining around two months after its launch.

Factors such as possible polarisation due to the upcoming election may be to blame on the drop in white attendance, he speculated.

"Whites in the community recognise that the 'Big Conversation' was not about platitude but about really having a serious and sometimes uncomfortable conversation about race in Bermuda," he explained.

"Some (whites) were uncomfortable with that. But those who remain, that 15 to 20 percent out of the 70 to 120 people certainly have the courage, requisite and determination to see it through."

Furthermore, those whites that do support the BRRI, along with their black counterparts, should be commended, he pointed out. Mr. Commissiong brushed aside critics who view the BRRI more as a political machine to stir up racial emotions than Government's genuine attempt at ridding the community of racial divide.

Pending the outcome of the upcoming General Election, Mr. Commissiong vowed that the BRRI would continue through next year and there are a lot of valuable themes Government has in mind.

He also praised the work of American co-facilitators Professor Robert Jensen and Dr. Bernestine Singley who have worked hard to help Bermuda with the undertaking, he stated.

The event will be held inside of the main conference room of Elbow Beach and the public is encouraged to attend. For more information, contact CURE at 296-0613.