an open forum on public conduct last week -- and promised more are to come.

Chairman of the forum Stuart Hayward said he and the other panel members were still evaluating the debate at Fairmont Southampton Princess, but said the overall opinion was that the night had been a huge success.

Residents were invited along to listen to the panel, consisting of business and sports people, discuss the issue of behaviour on the Island, and why it had deteriorated.

Government MPs, other business people, senior members of the media and the sports fraternity were also invited to attend, and the audience was able to pose written questions throughout.

The panel discussed public conduct, specifically looking at four areas -- the media, Parliament, sport and business.

However, Mr. Hayward said there was so much to say on the issue, and the audience asked so many questions, there was still much room left for discussion.

The forum hopes other similar events can be held so all questions can be answered, but next time the panel may narrow down their discussion to just one part of public conduct.

"I think we have already decided that there will be more forums like this. We have a tremendous sense of validation from the community, which is a really good thing,'' Mr. Hayward said.

"But I think we will narrow down the scope of the next forum, so that we can discuss particular areas in more depth.

"The issue of conduct is certainly not going to rest. There are so many aspects to it, and I think it involves everyone, that it will be at the fore for the moment.'' Other areas that could be explored with regards public conduct, said Mr.

Hayward, included education, religion, community groups and the judicial system,.

But he said he wanted to thank everyone who played a role in the evening last Thursday.

He said: "There are several categories of people who made the event work. We at the forum would like to thank the people who were in the background, the sponsors, such as the Bank of Bermuda, Belco and the Fairmont Southampton Princess and others, the media, and everyone in the audience.

"We hope others go as well.''