---

While multiple factors contribute to economic disparity, race has been identified as a key ingredient in Bermuda.

The recently released Employment Briefs attest to the same conclusions drawn from data analyses by CURE.

Reaction to the report suggesting that racism is not a significant factor could represent a form of denial.

Dr. Joy DeGruy Leary, and internationally renowned researcher, educator, author and presenter, defines this denial as "cognitive dissonance."

One must admit that a problem exists before solutions are sought. CURE is of the opinion that denial of institutional racism hinders the process of dismantling barriers to equal access of economic opportunity.

Data confirming that the average salary of white staff is higher than black employees is consistent with CURE's Annual Review of the Workforce Survey reports (ARWS) since 2000, when CURE began to produce the report (these reports are available at CURE).

There are more black Bermudians than white Bermudians with university level education... [and yet] whites receive higher income than blacks. This reality is reversed when non-Bermudian whites are factored into the mix.

Studies have concluded that racial inequity in Bermuda contributes to social ills. Statistics reveal that economic disparity between blacks and whites has continued over recent years.

What we can all do

Multiple approaches are needed to build a workforce that reflects the demographics of Bermuda's racial and ethnic groups, and provides racial parity for income and employment opportunity. For example:

• Quality public and private education provided to all;

• Sponsored training opportunities provided by companies for all, and;

• Equity measures adopted by companies to ensure fairness to all.

Collaborative efforts are needed to build racial harmony and promote equality and inclusiveness for Bermudians and guest workers. For example:

• Validation of companies/organizations that give evidence of work equity policies, procedures and practices that are fair to all;

• Support for collective processes of research for the value of conclusions concerning employment trends, as well as statistical facts about race relations, issues of disparity and needs of identified groups who have not experienced access to desired employment opportunities, and;

• Commitment to build on the strengths of all participants committed to building community and harmony for a stable and growing economy and for a Bermuda that provides a secure future for its citizens and a home away from home for its guests.

The Commission will continue to produce credible statistical reports to inform policy and initiatives by Government, companies and other community organizations.

Also, the Commission remains open to dialogue with all stakeholders in Bermuda, "to help shape the future economic and social prosperity of Bermuda."

The Commission believes that collective input to guiding Bermuda's future will ensure a Bermuda whose assets and opportunities are enjoyed by all.

Why not permit the findings of the August 2009 Employment Briefs to become a catalyst for companies, other organizations and individuals to find solutions to economic racial disparity in Bermuda's workforce?

NB: CURE statistics are relatively comparable to statistics based on the entire workforce as represented in the Annual Employment Survey by the Department of Statistics. While CURE data does not address companies with fewer than 10 employees, data gathered on these companies does not alter the conclusion that CURE reports are representative of the entire workforce.

---