The “phenomenon of human rights” is an evolving process, Human Affairs Minister Randolph Horton said yesterday at the 20th anniversary ceremony of Bermuda's Human Rights Act, at Hamilton City Hall.

“Although comprehensive, we acknowledge that the Act is not perfect. The phenomenon of human rights is an evolving process, and therefore, the Human Rights Act requires amending on an ongoing basis,” he said.

Acting Premier Eugene Cox, Opposition Leader Grant Gibbons and dignitaries clapped to the upbeat tunes of the Bermuda Postal Service choir as students leaned over the upper balcony, some tapping their foot to the music.

The celebration honoured the Act, established in 1981, which recognised “the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”.

Human Affairs Minister Randy Horton told the audience that everyone in Bermuda is “a family”.

“It does not matter where we work or where we go to school. It does not matter if we are black, white or any other self-determined race.”

He told the audience that the Human Rights Act, which established the guardian agency Human Rights Commission, protects the rights of people “lawfully residing in Bermuda”.

Shadow Human Affairs Minister John Barritt said the September 11 tragedy had a “profound effect” on human rights and freedom.

“Those who have travelled to and from the United States have already experienced the changes and challenges to which I am referring.

“Here in Bermuda, we like to think we are different, or in the words of Hubert Smith, we like to think that Bermuda is another world,” he said.

Mr. Barritt said that Bermuda is not another world but the country can be “by the way in which we respond to the challenges and changes we have to face”.