A top economist and a debating champion will discuss the economic state of Bermuda at a Bungalow 56 Talks event tonight.

Robert Stubbs, a former head of research for the Bank of Bermuda and an economist, will talk about how the island’s basic economic model compares to other offshore and onshore economies in his speech, “Economic Test Tube to the World”.

And Kenza Wilks, 18, the captain of England’s national debating team and the top speaker at this month’s World Schools Debating Championships, will present “An Urban Economic Perspective”, which will highlight how increasing urbanisation can tackle Bermuda’s economic decline.

Mr Stubbs’s research was used by Bermuda’s Fiscal Responsibility Panel, private corporations, non-profits, senior academics in Britain, the One Bermuda Alliance and Progressive Labour Party.

His talk will review the historical adjustments Bermuda has made to its model and how these changes have undermined the economy’s resilience.

He told The Royal Gazette he believed many economic problems have been concealed by a lack of transparency on the part of governments and corporations worldwide.

He added: “It’s time the public be informed not only of the need for and range of options in changing our tax structure, but also the limitations we face in terms of our global competitive pressures.

“These are interesting times globally. I think the whole world is about to embark on economic policy reforms of historic importance.

“Change is quite often frightening to people, but I think everyone will be much better off for these reforms.”

Mr Wilks encouraged young people to attend so that they can gain from Mr Stubbs’s insights.

He said: “Much of the data we will be presenting has not been seen or even collected before Robert did it.

“This is a talk of potential interest to lots of high school students, particularly those that are interested in studying economics or politics at university as I am.”

The event will take place at 56 Reid Street today at 6pm.

To attend, e-mail glen.wilks5@gmail.com.