The United Bermuda Party's conference being held tomorrow will feature a Pulitzer Prize nominated author and is scheduled to focus on the party's new theme: "Committed to bring us together and move us ahead."

Party chairman Gwyneth Rawlins said the theme would influence panel discussions on such issues as breaking down barriers, highlighting race relations, good governance and the justice system. Housing, seniors and tourism will also be debated.

"We want the public to know the UBP has not abandoned its vision for Bermuda and we fully intend to press for implementation of the solutions that we laid out in our platform," Ms Rawlins said.

Three of the eight panellists are not party members. They are: Rev. Terrence Stovell, of the Better Covenant Christian fellowship; lawyer Venous Telford of Mello, Jones and Martin; and tourism activist Tony Brannon.

Novelist Clifton Taulbert from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who has travelled the world talking about community building, will be the keynote speaker. He was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for his book "Once Upon a Time When We Were Coloured" and is also the president and founder of Building Community Institute.

The public is invited to take part in the conference and voice their opinions.

"One of the reasons we are opening our conference to the public is because we believe in outside participation so that we can understand and hear the issues that are concerning them," said Ms Rawlins.

The conference is from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Elbow Beach Hotel.