Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda

Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda (CURB) is a non-governmental organization of volunteers working to identify and dismantle racism in all its forms and to address its effects on the Bermudian community.

CURB initially formed following a meeting held on June 30, 1998 ^[1] when nearly six hundred Bermudians and residents converged on the campus of the Bermuda College to brainstorm and recommend solutions for uprooting racism in Bermuda ^[2]. A change in the political parties in November 1998 resulted in the newly formed organization being unable to raise support from the new Government, and by 2000 the organization became dormant.

In the Speech from the Throne 2005 delivered in November 2005 by HRH the Duke of York, KCVO, ADC on the occasion of the convening of Parliament, the Government stated that it would "...facilitate and support the Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality, and Non-Governmental Organizations in a major race relations initiative. Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda - or CURB - will be the vehicle tasked with recommending to the Government tangible, achievable strategies for the elimination of racism in Bermuda."

In January 2006 the new CURB began to meet and drew up bye-laws and a constitution, which was later revised in January 2009. In September 2006 the organization registered as a charity (Reg. No. 768) under The Charities Act 1978 and Charities Amendment Act 1998.

CURB members believe in the fundamental human right of racial justice and equality and actively work towards that goal by creating a greater understanding of structural racism and the historical legacy of racism. The organization focuses on education ^[3], research, dialogue and advocacy in order to sustain the truth and reconciliation process. This is achieved through presentations ^[4], forums ^[5], workshops, dialogues, and training.

CURB has a Central Council consisting of up to 15 members, as well as working groups in Advocacy, Education, Research, Communication, Finance, and Strategic Planning.

References

1. ^ http://www.royalgazette.com/rg/Article/article.jsp?sectionId=65&articleId=7ce6d0f3003002d
2. ^ http://www.curb.bm
3. ^ http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=326652087171&ref=ts
4. ^ http://www.royalgazette.com/rg/Article/article.jsp?sectionId=80&articleId=7da46273003001a
5. ^ http://www.royalgazette.com/rg/Article/article.jsp?sectionId=60&articleId=7d865af30030007