Bermudians are among the speakers at a major heritage and conservation conference being hosted on the island next month

The Caribbean Conference of National Trusts runs from March 27 to 30, thanks to a successful bid by the Bermuda National Trust.

The biennial conference being staged at the Fairmont Southampton will bring an estimated 100 people from conservation organisations in Africa, Asia Pacific, the Americas, the Caribbean and Europe.

Bermudian speakers and panellists will include: Dame Pamela Gordon Banks, Bermuda’s first female Premier; Jennifer Gray, former executive director of the Bermuda National Trust; Edward Harris, former executive director of the National Museum of Bermuda; Alana Anderson, Bermuda National Trust president; and Anne Hyde, Keep Bermuda Beautiful executive director.

A spokesman for the Bermuda National Trust, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, said: “We have contacted our sister environmental and heritage organisations and hope they and other private individuals will take this opportunity to enjoy the knowledgeable participants.”

The theme of the conference theme is “Arms Wide Open — Strategies for Engaging with Diverse Communities”.

There will be breakout sessions on the environment, built heritage, diversity and inclusion, education and engagement, and capacity building.

Sessions will take place at the Fairmont Southampton, with some off-site slots at locations including the National Museum of Bermuda in the Royal Naval Dockyard, and St George’s World Heritage Centre.

International speakers include: Dana Firas, Her Royal Highness Princess of Jordan; Dame Fiona Reynolds, president of the International National Trusts Organisation; and Gus Casely-Hayford, British curator, historian and filmmaker.

Andrew Potts, director of the United States National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, is to give the plenary address.

The Bermuda National Trust is offering special packages for Bermuda residents including full conference attendance at $800 and conference daytime activities only at $500.

The CV Zuill Scholarship Trust is accepting applications from local non-profit representatives who would like help with funding their conference attendance.

Applications can be made at: http://www.cvzuillaward.org/

Several corporate sponsors have also given their support to the conference.