Progressive Labour Party Leader Jennifer Smith last night issued a rallying call to her troops at the final summer meeting before the election.

Ms Smith said the time was nearly upon them for decisions to be made.

Speaking at Shelly Bay, following speeches by candidates and sitting MPs from Hamilton Parish, Smith's and St. George's, she said the day of deliverance and reckoning was nigh.

"The race does not go to the swift or strong but to those who endure,'' she said.

"The race is almost over, we must press on to our date with destiny.'' The audience of around 350 heard the PLP Leader talk of the social ills of Bermuda, in particular of the problems of youth and unemployment.

She said: "There is apathy from people of all ages which is caused by alienation. These things must be down to the UBP.

"Young people feel disenfranchised and they want to express themselves by voting in the next election.'' She said alienation led to crime in society and there was a need for education, housing, child care and family policies that fought against that.

Race was an issue the UBP had only just come to terms with, she said, adding that there was a place to celebrate all cultures even though the PLP was the party of the majority of the country.

"There is a long way to go before you can see people judged, not by the colour of their skin but by their character.'' And the business community, which the PLP had been talking to for two years, must also tap into the potential of all Bermudians, she said.

"Every day we are drawing closer with this country's date with destiny,'' said Ms Smith. "A shared prosperity for all Bermuda is ensured.''