Premier Ewart Brown yesterday spoke of the significance of Bermuda's segregated past and told his critics: stop telling me to get over it.

The Premier described himself as a product of a racially divided Bermuda and urged people to learn more about the Island's chequered history and those who fought injustice.

He was speaking at a Grotto Bay luncheon celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Leopards Club, which was created by five black men at a time when blacks had nowhere to go to socialise other than sports clubs.

In recent weeks, a number of community leaders including new Anglican Bishop Patrick White and former Premiers Sir John Swan and Alex Scott have urged the Progressive Labour Party to cut out the racial rhetoric they say is dividing the Island.

But Dr. Brown responded yesterday: "Sometimes I am torn. I am charged with moving Bermuda forward and with being on the cutting edge of progress in all aspects of our Island's life.

"I take to this naturally and have an affinity for technology, new ideas and easier means to achieve our desires. But as a product of a racially divided Bermuda I cannot preside over the advances in my country without instilling in my people a healthy understanding and knowledge of the past.

"I lead a land where I am not convinced that if I polled 20 people under the age of 30 about the significance of 1959 in Bermuda's history that I would get the answer that is warranted. What is so sad is that I could conduct this poll as they stand in line to enter the Little Theatre and they would not know that within living memory watching a movie was a segregated experience.

"To those who would bid me and others to 'get over it' I say I cannot forget that which has formed me and you cannot deprive me of doing that which you have done so well: teaching your own their history."

Dr. Brown was echoing the sentiments of his race relations adviser Rolfe Commissiong, who last week defended the use of racial rhetoric. Mr. Commissiong argued even if it makes them feel uncomfortable whites should accept race talk is the result of frustration from blacks following centuries of discrimination.

Segregation was brought to an end by the Theatre Boycott of 1959, while this year also sees the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Bermuda.

Asked by Leopards Club member and former PLP MP George Scott what Government was doing to improve Bermuda history teaching in schools, the Premier replied: "I'm not proud of the length of time that it's taken to teach our children their own history."

He said he was personally committed to changing this, adding: "Many of the teachers don't know and it's difficult to teach what you don't know. We might have to send some teachers to Dr. (Eva) Hodgson's house and learn some Bermuda history."

Addressing Leopards Club members, Dr. Brown said: "Ours is a proud history and I challenge you on this day to wear it proudly. Proclaim it for what it is. Tell it far and wide. Encourage the young to seize the torch you have carried and swear them to the oath you took in membership; to help the less fortunate and to advance the cause of people of colour in your own country.

"My history is your history. I am proud of it and I will be forever mindful of the part it has played in my formative years. I am looking for bigger and better things from the Club and I wish you to know that you have a friend and supporter in me."

Dr. Brown concluded by taking a swipe at The Royal Gazette, which he said was in league with the United Bermuda Party to bring him down.

Ironically, the only member of the media who travelled to Grotto Bay to listen to his speech on a stormy Sunday afternoon was a reporter from this newspaper.