spiritual gathering next week in his role as Chairman of Bermuda's Committee of the International Year of Older Persons.

He will be there to highlight the Committee's activities and plans for the United Nations Year of Older Persons which was officially recognised in Bermuda last January.

This initiative was adopted by the UN in 1991 to encourage Governments to incorporate certain principles regarding senior citizens into their national programmes whenever possible.

These principles include: Independence -- that older persons should have access to adequate food, water, shelter, clothing and health care through the provision of income, family and community support and self help.

Participation -- that older persons should remain integrated in society, participate actively in the formulation and implementation of policies that directly affect their well being, and share their knowledge and skills with younger generations.

Care -- that older persons should benefit from family and community care and protection in accordance with each society's system of cultural values.

Self-fulfilment -- that older persons should be able to pursue opportunities for full development of their potential.

Dignity -- that older persons should be able to live in dignity and security and be free of exploitation and physical or mental abuse.

The meeting is to be held at the Baha'i National Centre on Cedar Avenue in Hamilton on Sunday, September 19.

According to a press release from the centre, Baha'i beliefs teach that older persons should be treated fairly regardless of age, gender, racial or ethnic background, disability or other status and be valued independently of their economic contribution.

The Press release said: "Baha'u'llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i faith, has explained that the human race has now reached the stage of maturity.'' It added: "We have grown up through the innocence of childhood and the confusion and conflict of adolescence. Only now are we beginning to realise that we are members of the same human race and are all equally loved by the Creator.''