Students from primary, middle and high schools across the Island have an opportunity to express themselves artistically in a Creativity Competition organised by the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE).

The contest is being held in honour of the United Nations observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, March 21.

The annual event marks the 1960 tragedy when South African police opened fire on unarmed black South Africans who were engaged in a peaceful protest against being forced to carry their passbooks at all times.

The resulting deaths of 69 black South Africans and the wounding of over 400 others in Sharpeville on that day provoked international turmoil and outrage, and a demand for a commitment to racial equality.

Poems, songs, prose, short skits and other creative entries will reflect the topic of this year?s theme entitled, ?Racial Equality - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow?.

Organisers said that they will favour work that draws from historical and contemporary examples.

There will be prizes for first place in the three academic level categories and ?Special Mention? prizes. Winners will be invited to attend Bermuda?s Commemoration 2005 on Monday, March 21 to read, display or perform their pieces of work.

The school that sends in the most entries will be awarded a small cash prize and special mention in CURE?s 2005 Annual Report.

The proclamation and awards ceremony will be followed by a brief reception where the young people will meet the Premier, or his designate, and members of the executive team of the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality of Bermuda.

The contest entries are used to design a commemorative ?International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination? poster, which is distributed to each student participant and to community members who attend the commemoration ceremony.

The entrants? works are also used in CURE promotional and public relations materials, such as its Annual Reports and information pamphlets, throughout the year.

Entries may be sent to CURE between now and March 4, 2005.

CURE is a Government body which was created to promote awareness of racial discrimination and the necessity of good relations between people of different racial groups.

CURE must also promote fair and equal access to employment opportunities.