One of the most innovative public figures in the US State of Texas is headed to Bermuda to speak about inherent racism within the justice system.

Craig Watkins, the first black elected District Attorney in that State, will be a panellist at this weekend's Bermuda Race Relations Initiative (BRRI). It will be his first visit to Bermuda.

Mr. Watkins, 39, is married with three children and is no stranger to controversy, having been involved in the Innocence Project, which uses DNA to clear people on death row or imprisoned for serious crimes.

"The Big conversation" will continue on Friday, with the theme "Race and Justice," followed by a panel discussion on Saturday night.

The dialogue will start at the Leopard's Club on Friday, from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. and continue Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

While the panel discussion, a separate event, which Mr. Watkins will be featured, will begin on Saturday night at 6.30 p.m. at the North Hall at the Bermuda College.

Prominent defence lawyer Charles Richardson and Carlton Simmons from Youth on The Move will join him as panellists. Mr. Watkins said: "I just want to draw folks attention to the failures of the criminal justice system as it relates to race. Based on the preliminary information I have on Bermuda, I believe that Bermudians will understand the problems we have here."

The BRRI is the brainchild of Premier Ewart Brown and is supported by the Community for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE), with Rolfe Commissiong, consultant to the Premier, as the main organiser.

Those interested in taking part in the dialogues, should confirm their attendance by contacting CURE at 296-0613 or by emailing cure[AT]ibl.bm.

Saturday night's panel discussion is open to everyone and will be moderated by American co-facilitators Prof. Robert Jensen and Dr. Bernestine Singley.