Race activist Eva Hodgson says it's time for Bermuda to look at affirmative action as it seeks to address some of the wrongs of slavery.

She spoke after British Prime Minister Tony Blair issued a statement expressing "deep sorrow" for the African slave trade.

His statement was welcomed by activists in Britain but some pressed on Monday for the government to make a practical demonstration of remorse ? with cash.

The British government is expected to announce next week plans to mark the March 25, 2007, bicentenary of the Slave Trade Act, which banned British participation in the Atlantic slave trade.

Britain banned slavery in its territories in 1833 and the law came into effect on August 1st, the following year.

Mr. Blair said: "I believe the bicentenary offers us a chance not just to say how profoundly shameful the slave trade was ? how we condemn its existence utterly and praise those who fought for its abolition ? but also to express our deep sorrow that it could ever have happened and rejoice at the better times we live in today."

In response Dr. Hodgson said: "I think what Blair said is certainly significant in and of itself."

She said it inevitably raised the issue of compensation.

"It's impossible to compensate adequately when we think about the wealth accumulated by the white community is not only as a result of their hard work and initiative but also a result of the free labour given by those enslaved and then by those segregated deliberately in order to exploit and control them.

"The white community has inherited and the black community has been denied what they might have inherited had their ancestors been paid for their labour."

She said in the States the issue had turned to affirmative action.

The process sees members of targeted groups actively sought or preferred, in an attempt to compensate for advantages that other groups are said to have had through institutional racism.

Supporters of affirmative action have argued granting opportunities simply on the basis of merit ignores the fact that some have had limited access to educational opportunities and job experiences to allow them to compete fairly.

But critics have argued it instils more resentment from the poor among racial groups not singled out for special help while those benefiting could feel patronised.

Dr. Hodgson said it was one small step in recognising the injustice which has been done but there has been little talk of affirmative action in Bermuda.

She blamed this on the conservatism of the previous PLP Governments in looking at the issue of race.

"I certainly think we should be talking about it."

But she recognised it would be fiercely fought by racist elements still around in Bermuda.

Former Progressive Labour Party MP and Senator Cal Smith welcomed Mr. Blair's statement. "Is it sufficient? It's a start."

He urged those in Bermuda who had benefited from slavery to also make a similar expression of remorse.

"The very least which could be done is an apology. The very most that could be done is an exercise to correct this."

Mr. Smith said England should be going all out to help. "I don't mean money in the pocket but through training and opportunities."

The ancestors of slaves were still at a disadvantage said Mr. Smith who said the statistics showed this in wage disparities.

The most recent workplace figures from the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality show white Bermudians held the majority of executive positions at 34 percent while black Bermudians had 60 percent of the non-professional positions.

Mr. Smith too said affirmative action was the way forward and praised American programmes which helped disadvantaged groups with contracts as well as efforts here such as the economic empowerment zone in North Hamilton.

Last night the Bermuda Government refused to comment but promised a response to Mr. Blair's statement within 48 hours.