The Government is inviting “honest and direct engagement from the community” on how Bermuda can address race relations.

The public will be asked to share “thoughts and views and possible solutions on how we can better connections between races”, community minister Lovitta Foggo said.

Ms Foggo told the House of Assembly: “We recognise that for generations Bermuda’s history has also been fraught with tensions and disagreements, particularly when it comes to the topics of race, diversity, inclusion and equality.

“We also recognise that the issues of racial inequity and race relations can be difficult and complex discussions for us to have as a people. But I believe that as a community, we should have the courage, openness and vulnerability to have these important conversations.”

She added: “Our Ministry is taking the bold step of inviting honest and direct engagement from the community about how Bermuda can address and improve the relationships between the various sub-communities on our island.

“We need this community feedback in order to spark an informed and insightful dialogue that embraces our shared experiences.

“But most important, we want our community to share their thoughts and views on possible solutions, on how we can better the connections between the races.”

People are invited to visit www.forum.gov.bm to offer their opinions.

They will be invited to answer questions such as:

• Do you think race relations have gotten better in the last five years?

• What do you believe we can do either individually or as a community that will improve race relations?

• What is the greatest stumbling block to us coming together as Bermudians?

• With regards to the historical issues between the black and white communities, what does resolution look like?

Ms Foggo said: “Bermuda’s community is one that is vibrant, diverse and steeped in history. Our ancestries hail from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds.

“We are truly a melding of traditions, ideologies and human stories. Our collective histories are entwined against the backdrop of our cultural and racial diversity.”

Ms Foggo said the Ministry of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport had already sought views from groups including Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda and the Association of Bermuda Insurers.

She also said she would bring back feedback to the House for discussion, prompting Craig Cannonier, the Leader of the Opposition, to ask for details.

In response, Ms Foggo said: “We want to first hear from the public. That will help shape what we do next.”