Race advisor Rolfe Commissiong last night praised Wayne Furbert's race forgiveness motion — and claimed white politicians had not spoken enough about it in last Friday's seven-hour House of Assembly debate.

Independent MP Mr. Furbert's motion called for the House to apologise for indignation and degradation inflicted on Bermuda by successive Governments throughout the Island's history.

Mr. Commissiong said he was disappointed white MPs "such as Grant Gibbons" had not reflected on Parliament's role in creating political and economic hardship for black Bermudians.

Dr. Gibbons, who was one of four white people to speak in the debate, said he acknowledges and regrets the injustices of the past — but said he thought it would presumptuous to apologise for something somebody else has done in the past.

Responding last night, United Bermuda Party leader Kim Swan said Mr. Commissiong's accusation was political point-scoring and reflective of the Progressive Labour Party leadership's polarising behaviour.

Mr. Commissiong told The Royal Gazette: "I would like to commend MP Furbert for spearheading this motion. His comments in particular were exemplary in their acknowledgement of the institution's historic role in the oppression of black Bermudians.

"My biggest disappointment however was that not enough members addressed the motion as laid before them with respect to the role which successive Parliaments throughout our history played in the political and economic disenfranchisement of black Bermudians, particularly white Parliamentarians such as MP Grant Gibbons."

The Big Conversation boss gave an example of how Parliament encouraged white emigration in the mid 1800s to undermine the emerging black community after emancipation.

"It was an effort or trend driven by Bermuda's white Anglo Saxon minority, through their political dominance, that would continue in one form or another, up until the late twentieth century," he said.

"Of course there are many other shameful examples of successive Bermudian Parliaments in this regard.

"On a personal basis, what took place on Friday also speaks to the success of the Big Conversation in encouraging Bermudians to examine the ways in which race and racism has informed who we are as a people today.

"And if we are to close this sordid chapter of our history then it is necessary that this conversation continue."

Other whites to speak were John Barritt and Mark Pettingill of the UBP and Government backbencher Zane DeSilva.

Mr. Swan said last night: "It's unfair for us just to go out and single out any individuals for a systemic problem that existed in Bermuda.

"The United Bermuda Party deplores the existence of slavery and was founded on the premise that we move this country forward.

"Rolfe is a paid political operative when it comes to this subject. When it comes to politics, some people use a racial misunderstanding by some for political advantage. It shows political immaturity. Bermuda does get polarised at election times.

"We have had some healthier debates recently. We need to embrace a more politically mature society but it's going to take some time.

"Right now, we have got a leadership that's not preoccupied with things that could make the country operate better."

Mr. Swan said the UBP had done much to right the wrongs of the past, and saluted the efforts of politicians such as Sir Henry Tucker, Sir John Plowman, John Stubbs, Sir Edward Richards, Clarence James and Jim Woolridge.