And Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda (CURB) hopes that residents will signify their support of its efforts by wearing black and white wristbands symbolising the island's two predominant races.

The organisation was formally launched yesterday with its president describing it as "an anti-racist, inter-ethnic movement dedicated to the elimination of racism".

"Following the historic election of 1998, attention to the issue of racism in Bermuda was put on the back burner," said Lynne Winfield.

"The prevailing attitude, it seemed, was that the problems associated with racism would go away following the election of a black government. Attempts by CURB to move forward with a raft of objectives received little support and unfortunately, the group eventually became inactive.

"Sadly, eight years later, racism and stereotypes continue to be divisive in our community. The need for CURB still exists, and CURB is back and ready to tackle racism in Bermuda.

"CURB will act as a watchdog organisation, reminding people about racial issues and stereotypes that occur within our everyday lives. We will encourage, and if need be, bring pressure on Government, the media, organisations, businesses, sports clubs and churches to confront racist stereotypes and behaviours.

"We will organise events to educate and bring people together."

CURB was initially formed in 1998.

According to Ms Winfield, it evolved from an anti-racist conference held on June 30 at the Bermuda College involving a host of similar-minded groups ? the Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality, Amnesty International and the National Association for Reconciliation.

The event was attended by around 600 people, collectively said to be representative of the island's various races, ethnic and socio-economic groups and religions.

"It was an inspirational event at which passions and hopes ran high and concrete strategies were put forward to address racism," Ms Winfield stated. "People spoke openly and honestly about their perspectives and suggestions for uprooting racism on our island."

The organisation disbanded a few months later, scuppered by an alleged lack of Government support. Attempts to relaunch it two years later failed for similar reasons. CURB was revived by Premier Alex Scott in last year's Throne Speech, and Government provisionally set aside $95,000 for it in the Budget.

Its importance was highlighted during the Parliamentary Throne Speech debate by Community Affairs and Sports Minister Dale Butler, who described CURB as one of several bodies tasked with leading "a public dialogue that will result in the people of Bermuda recommending to Government tangible and achievable strategies for for the elimination of racism in Bermuda".

"We know this is a tall order," he said. "But we also know that Bermudians have the will and the ability to identify and implement strategies to rid us of the negative impact of racism.

"We are too small a country to allow such vestiges of our past to linger and hinder our development."

The initiative was introduced at a poorly-attended public meeting held in February ? despite a hoped-for-audience of 200, only around 30 people attended the event at the Anglican Cathedral.

At yesterday's relaunch, Ms Winfield said the group aimed to educate the community about white privilege, how institutional racism continued in our society and how such issues affected persons of colour.

She highlighted the importance of "listening to each other" and "working together" as ways of achieving a resolution and better understanding "the difference between white perception and black experience".

"CURB consists of people," she said. "People who believe in the fundamental human right of equality and who understand that racism continues to divide us.

"We are determined to ensure that the issue of racism stays in the forefront, and that ongoing, honest and open dialogue takes place.

"The commitment to working towards the elimination of racism starts with the individual. To this end CURB has brought to the island 10,000 wristbands.

"These wristbands are free, as this is not about raising money but about raising people's consciousness. The wristbands are black and white, symbolising the two major races on the island.

"They are linked, which symbolises people's commitment to working together to eliminate all forms of racism. By wearing a wristband, people will not only be demonstrating their solidarity with the ideals of a just and equal Bermuda for all, but will also wear them as a daily reminder that it is their behaviour that makes a difference."

Free wristbands will be available at all post offices, police stations and adult libraries. Wristbands will be available to schools upon request. Businesses are urged to contact CURB ? curbnorthrock.bm ? if they wish to make wristbands available to their staff.

The CURB Council, the main decision-making body of CURB, is open to anyone who wishes to join. Some 30 members have committed to attend meetings, held on alternate Thursdays at the Leopards Club at 5.30 p.m.