Bermuda's roots will be exposed to the public in all their complexity this month when a series of videos detailing the Island's history is aired on television.

In a "fitting salute to the Millennium'', Government sponsored the set of six feature length films, which were produced by Panatel VDS Ltd. and cover every aspect of Bermuda's first 500 years.

At a Press conference, Development and Opportunity Minister Terry Lister said this was one part of Government's overall commitment to "ensuring Bermudians know who they are''.

"I believe that these films will go a long way to helping us know our past, so that we may move forward together, united as one community.'' "When the public views them, I'm sure they will agree that they indeed have managed to capture the essence of Bermuda's birth, it's growth and its future ambitions.'' He added that the production is suitable for all age groups and emphasised the need for family orientated educational programmes in the midst of "many television shows that display unnecessary violence, adult language and graphic content''.

Mr. Lister said he was hoping the public would embrace these films in the same way the people of the United States embraced the series "Roots'' in 1976.

"The intent is for the series to act as a strong unifying factor in the community,'' he explained.

Government Millennium Committee spokeswoman, and local historian Ruth Thomas said: "As far as I know, this is the very first time that all of Bermuda's history has been put together in a series like this.'' Asked where the inspiration behind the videos came from, she said: "Well, Panatel suggested that we do a history project to commemorate the Millennium.'' "History is a big part of culture and, if you saw the worldwide Millennium celebrations history was the focus of them throughout,'' Dr. Thomas added.

Panatel VDS Ltd. spokeswoman Donna Pink explained that, while the first few videos were heavily reliant of re-enactments, the last few contained a great deal of archival footage.

Island's roots to come under the spotlight "In fact there was so much footage on offer that, having lived through some of those times, it was difficult not to be subjective in choosing it,'' Dr.

Thomas said.

The titles of the films are: " The Story Begins '' - describing Sir George Somers' shipwreck, early life on the Island, The Bermuda Company and the beginning of slavery.

" Sea, Salt and Slavery '' - describing the triangular salt trade between Bermuda, the Caribbean and North America, the war of 1812, the building of Dockyard, convict labour, the beginning of an education system and the emancipation from slavery.

" Boomtown to Boers '' - exploring the threat of steam power to the Island's shipbuilding industry, importation of Portuguese farmers, the impact of the American Civil War, the beginning of tourism and World War One.

" Votes, Visitors and Victory '' - detailing the suffragettes' struggle for women's votes, the 250 Jamaicans brought to Bermuda to work on an extension to the Royal Naval Dockyard, the changing of Tucker's Town into an enclave for the super rich and Bermuda during World War Two.

Coming of Age - Bermuda after 1945 in which the general public had access to cars, the Royal Navy shut down their operation, television came on to the scene, blacks pushed for social change, segregation ended and political parties were established. By the 50's and 60's tourism was in full swing and, later on, Bermuda's status as a leading international business centre was confirmed.

" Into the Future '' - examining problems such as the downturn in tourism, opportunities for local employees in international companies and the fragile ecosystem. Some of the local personalities who contribute to this episode are Brian O'Hara, Dr. Eva Hodgson, Premier Jennifer Smith, David Wingate and Ron Lightbourne.

The films, each half an hour long, will begin airing at 8.30 p.m. on Monday, March 20 on ZBM TV 9. They will run for six consecutive Mondays.

Music for the film was composed by Mr. Kenneth Amis, a Bermudian musician who is currently on the staff of the Boston Conservatory. All schools on the Island will receive a complete set of these videos and members of the public will be able to purchase their own set from Panatel.