Britain, Ms Valerie Amos has completed a brief trip to Bermuda, saying she is prepared to help any local organisation which might want her advice.

"It's been an interesting trip, with a lot of information-sharing,'' Ms Amos said of her five-day stay. "Everybody has been incredibly hospitable -- except the weather.'' The highlight of Ms Amos' busy schedule was her participation in the Human Rights Commission's public forum -- "Women of the Nineties: Still Waiting to Exhale'' -- last Thursday.

She addressed the subject of equal pay and opportunities in the workplace, focusing primarily on the situation in the UK.

In addition to the forum, Ms Amos attended a Parliamentary session, took part in a Business and Professional Women's Association seminar at the Chamber of Commerce, visited the Women's Resource Centre and met with Government officials including the Premier.

Ms Amos said she was pleased to hear amendments to the Human Rights Act were about to be made. "From what I've picked up, they are very important to the Island,'' she said.

The 38-year-old chief executive represents the Commission nationally and internationally, taking part in negotiations with Government Ministers and civil servants, and advising employers and other groups.

Considered a non-departmental Government body, the British Equal Opportunities Commission is funded by, but operates independently from, Government.

Ms Amos said her Manchester-based agency had taken six Government departments to court in the last two years over equality issues, including the Employment Department and the British military.

The Commission, which was set up in 1975, works towards the elimination of gender discrimination, promotes equal pay and opportunity in the workplace, and keeps legislation under review. The agency also makes recommendations to Government.

Ms Amos said that in terms of ratifying laws from the European Parliament, the UK has a good record. She said the UK's legislation framework is among the swiftest of European Community members.

"Others take longer, or they don't ratify the legislation at all,'' she said.

However, Ms Amos admitted the UK was lagging behind other European nations in areas such as child care and equal wages for women.

EQUALITY AGENDA -- Chief Executive of the British Equal Opportunities Commission, Ms Valerie Amos presents Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan with a folder outlining the facts and figures on UK efforts to provide equal pay and opportunities for all.