A rallying call has been issued to the community to ensure Bermuda marks its 400th birthday in style next year.

Chairman of the steering committee for the festivities, Conchita Ming, said they will celebrate Bermuda and its people in order to unify the community, boost tourism and showcase our culture.

Events will be held every month of 2009 with highlights including the hosting of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge in June, a memorial on July 28 to mark the wrecking of the Sea Venture on that date in 1609 which led to the first settlement, and an international military tattoo in October.

It is hoped a commemorative wall of "history and heroes" will be unveiled along with an anniversary book and special-issue coins, bank notes and stamps. Further ideas under consideration include the planting of 400 cedar trees and the burying of a time capsule.

The committee remains open to new ideas and contributions. As such, 77 representatives from organisations including the National Trust, Bermuda Regiment, St. George's Foundation, Vasco de Gama Club and Bermuda Maritime Museum gathered for a brainstorming session at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute yesterday.

Pointing out the diversity of the audience, Minister for Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler urged: "If we take the foundation of today and continue as a family, 2009 might be that time when we finally stand together as Bermudians. As I look at the committee which is so diversified I think we're heading in the right direction.

"From the tragedy of the shipwreck to the celebration of our first settlement, we have to remember our dark past of segregation and of racism but we have a legacy that we can be proud of and leave to our youngsters. That's why I've stressed to our cultural officers the importance of our youth being involved in the celebrations."

Mr. Butler spoke of his hope that the anniversary could spark a $10 million funding pot for future investment in culture. This, he said, would require members of the wider community to demonstrate their commitment to the cause.

Expanding on this after the meeting, he told The Royal Gazette that Government could potentially match-fund contributions from individuals and businesses.

"Events like this have to be more than just celebration and remembrance ¿ we have to think about the legacy we leave behind such as establishing scholarships for people doing doctoral studies to benefit Bermuda through a cultural fund that people can go to," he explained.

Mr. Butler said Government has earmarked $270,000 for the celebratory events from April 1 2008 through to April 1 2009. Total funding through to 2010 will be in the region of $400,000.

A Bermuda 2009 website is under construction at www.Bermuda2009.bm and full contact details will be listed there.

Until it goes live, those interested in contributing to the plans should e-mail project manager Laureen Bassett at bassettconsulting@logic.bm. Event planners who will require funding for their projects are required to fill out a proposal form by March 31, 2008.