In his speech, "Cultural Dividends -- We Reap What We Sow,'' Mr. Furbert said that Bermuda's diverse culture was one of the Island's strongest identifying factors. This was evident in the coming of the English settlers, the immigration of blacks and Indians as well as slavery. The Portuguese community and the American bases as well as Bermudian students who marry non-Bermudians and return to the Island also contribute to the diversity of Bermuda's culture.

"If we can share our various cultural backgrounds,'' Mr. Furbert said, "our Island will be the better for it.'' Mr. Furbert stressed that culture is dialogue and the exchange of ideas and experience and the appreciation of other values and traditions.

He felt that Bermuda's cultural diversity was recently evidenced in the performances for the Queen. "Last week as I watched a display of the performing arts for Her Majesty the Queen, our multi-cultural diversity was highlighted,'' he said.

Citing only one proper theatre in Bermuda, Mr. Furbert said that it was his "vision'' to build a cultural centre. This cultural centre, in his estimation, would be instrumental in pulling all Bermudians together.

"This cultural centre should not only be a place where we emphasise the good things, but it should have a room where we portray the historical struggle of Bermudians,'' he said.

This would not glorify the negative things of the past, but rather, he felt, it would remind us that we must never find ourselves in that situation again.

Although this would be an expensive "vision'' that Government could not afford, Mr. Furbert believes that the community as a whole could pull together and make it happen.

In his closing statements, Mr. Furbert read a letter written to him by a young Bermudian.

"Bermuda is the place of my birth, and I love its people,'' said the letter.

"I would admit it's not always easy to cope in this beautiful Country, but the struggle is worth it; and if I had just one wish, it would be for all of Bermuda to unite as one nation of many people.'' Bermuda, Mr. Furbert felt, has come a long way. But the idea is to move forward with a dream of unity and the knowledge that by doing this, even greater accomplishments are yet undone.