A live TV debate on Bermuda's race problem is set to go ahead next week.

The 90-minute show will air on ZBM on Tuesday evening at 7.30 p.m. and will be strictly limited to the black/white issue.

Seven of the eight panelists have already been selected.

Joining organisers Cris Valdez-Dapena and Rolfe Commissiong will be ex-Bermuda Sun editor Tom Vesey, lawyer Ian Kawaley, black activist and Educational Officer Llewellyn Simmons, Cummings Zuill -- formerly of the Bank of Bermuda -- and Charles Gosling of Gosling Bros.

The identity of the eighth panelist is a mystery after the previous choice was unable to appear.

Ms Dapena explained why more controversial pundits such as Dr. Eva Hodgson had not been selected.

She said: "We didn't want high profile names because people would pre-judge what they were going to say.'' But she denied the panel was bland, adding: "I feel Rolfe would be terribly hurt if you told him he was bland.'' The show will be hosted by Roy Wright of the Bermuda College but he will play a backseat role as participants get to question each other directly.

Ms Dapena said: "We will get a little bit more electricity that way. The host's role is to keep us on track.

"The selection of the panel was not an attempt to be representative of all the divisions of Bermuda culture.

"We are deliberately keeping it to one single dialogue between black and white because it's a highly emotional.

Fellow organiser Rolfe Commissiong said: "I am very excited about this seminal event in Bermuda's history. But it's not a panacea.'' He said he hoped the debate would be an example of democratic culture at its best and help the country move forward.

He added: "There is no doubt when we talk about long term residents and the constitution race is the subtext. We want to make it the main text.'' Donations are still sought to fund the TV slot as organisers are still short by $2,000. If you can donate call Cris Valdez Dapena on 234 6900.

DISCRIMINATION DIS