that a "missionary's'' zeal will be brought to bear on stamping out racism.

And Kenneth Spurling, who replaces Michael Mello, told The Royal Gazette that education, debate, and community activism remain CURE's central strategy.

"We are going to enter into proper education programmes; we're going to put on more sensitivity workshops; we'll be going out almost on a missionary basis into clubs and churches and educating anyone who will listen on the virtues of (racial) diversity,'' he said.

The 51-year-old CEO of Matheson Investment Management has been on the CURE board for the past year and said he was "somewhat taken aback'' when he learned of his swift succession.

"I was quite gratified to be asked and further gratified that the majority of my fellow commissioners supported me,'' he said.

A Bermudian by birth, Mr. Spurling lives in Paget. He has been politically active within the United Bermuda Party, serving as central council deputy chairman and chairman of the Pembroke West branch committee.

Despite his fighting words, Mr. Spurling admitted racism ultimately boiled down to individual perceptions and prejudices.

"It's almost become a habit with some people who aren't prepared to give equal opportunity to others; they are outright racists,'' he said. "And even more dangerous in my opinion, are those who deny racism even exists.''