institutionalised racism, could not have come at a better time.

That was the view of a local coalition which recently launched a series of activities to mark South Africa's first anniversary of democracy.

Beyond Barriers, which includes members of the Anti-Apartheid Coalition, the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association, Bermuda Union of Teachers, Business and Professional Women's Association, Club Respect, the National Association of Reconciliation, One Hundred Black Men, the Portuguese-Bermudian Association, and the Women's Resource Centre -- was referring to Dr. Carol Swain's address to representatives of businesses, educators, politicians, and the media last week after completing a study on institutionalised racism in Bermuda.

"It is fortuitous that the report by Dr. Swain on the need for Bermuda to eliminate institutional racism should be made public on the eve of the campaign "One Step Forward'', group spokesman Mr. Glenn Fubler said.

"This additional `road sign' appears to strike a note of urgency, citing a need for quick action.'' Beyond Barriers explained that the "One Step Forward'' campaign was not only to mark the first anniversary of a democratic South Africa tomorrow, but it was also planned "as an opportunity for Bermuda to move ahead on removing barriers of race, gender, etc.'' As a key part of the campaign, multicultural celebrations will be held at the entrance of City Hall between 12.30 and 2 p.m. tomorrow.

Those in attendance will hear a special message from South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

"It is indeed significant that we should hear from Tutu since he is one of those who worked long to remove the formal barriers of apartheid but has decided to remain outside of the mainstream of the new political order of South Africa,'' Mr. Fubler said. "In that position he has been able to act as a conscience of that emerging democracy.'' He added that a wide cross section of organisations were being canvassed "to support a joint expression of commitment to a new vision of Bermuda'' and the response so far was positive.

Organisations that have expressed interest in participating were the Chamber of Commerce, the Bermuda Industrial Union, Rotary International, and the Women's Resource Centre.

"In some ways this is turning out to be historic since it has brought together a very diverse group around common ground,'' Mr. Fubler said.

"Joining this are organisations that were traditionally black, white groups, management oriented groups and those representing labour.'' Mr. Fubler said "every Bermudian'' can participate in "One Step Forward'' by donating one dollar to a Project South Africa fund -- at banks and major supermarkets -- which will be used both in Bermuda for children who are orphans of people with AIDS and for children in South Africa who are former victims of apartheid.

"Their donation can be symbolic of their commitment to do what they can to transform Bermuda by eliminating barriers of race, etc.,'' Mr. Fubler said.

"Dr. Swain was quoted as saying that Bermuda can avoid the worst that the US has experienced; we can do this by coming together and acting now.''