Hundreds of locals attended a Faith Based Tourism event "A Nation at Risk" at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.

The event saw local Reverend Deborah Trimm preach about the drug and violence problems on the Island while Minister of Cultural Affairs Dale Butler spoke about the lack of morals on the Island.

The international speakers were 13-year-old Prophet Parris Jackson and Prophetess Jacqueline Del Rosario.

To see Parris' spirited sermon go to 'Watch it on the Web' at www.theroyalgazette.bm

Both prophets spoke of following God's word and staying moral in today's society.

The event was part of the ten get-togethers Harvest Investment Holdings has been contracted to organise over a 12-month period. In total the events are expected to bring 2,200 visitors to the Island.

Yesterday, Andre Curtis — chairman of Harvest Investment Holdings — said he did not feel comfortable estimating how many tourists attended the Thursday event but said exact figures would be available today.

He did say a large cheer went out when the audience was asked if there were any American visitors at the event.

He said the same thing after the last faith based tourism event in October when he was quizzed about the number of tourists who attended the National Stadium event.

The only tourists The Royal Gazette located were the seven family members of the Prophet Parris.

The Bermuda faith based tourism website stated the mission of Thursday night's event was "to engage the nation of Bermuda, in examining its present and future risks which has the ability to erode Bermuda's global integrity".

When asked why tourists would fly to Bermuda to hear speeches about the Island's drug and violence problems Mr. Curtis said: "I think the topic is a world wide one.

"Those are world wide problems and that was not the only message. I don't think they spoke bad about Bermuda and they told us how we could improve the Island.

"Both prophets said they enjoyed the Island and wanted to come back."