During the tense international situation in the early Sixties, the potential for nuclear conflict loomed when Russian ships with missile parts were heading for Cuba — after being warned not to do so by the United States Government — with the rest of the world concerned not only about the possibility of nuclear war, but also about the fallout for those countries not directly involved.

In that scenario, the effects of deadly radiation clouds drifting across the globe would have meant serious damage not only to the environment, but also to those exposed to the lingering effects of harmful particles reaching humans, plants and animal life with devastating results. Fortunately, such an event was avoided and that chapter of history closed, but the world today is not totally free of nuclear dangers.

Over the past few days, much of the world has been struck by Britain’s decision arrived at through a referendum to leave the European Union — a move sending economic shock waves throughout much of the financial world, with stocks falling in major markets and causing growing concern among potential investors. There are many complicated factors involved in Britain’s move, which also caused havoc in the Government, resulting as it did in the resignation of David Cameron as Prime Minister.

Even global financial experts were scrambling to assess the potential economic fallout for not only Britain, but other countries including the US.

The days ahead will be extremely challenging for Britain since the Government and the Opposition are locked in a battle for new leadership to hopefully negotiate their way out of what appears to be a dark cloud of economic confusion, with no beams of light showing at the moment. One can only wait for the fallout.

Meanwhile, here in Bermuda, a different type of fallout is awaited after a referendum to test public sentiment on same-sex marriages and same-sex unions resulted in the vote count showing that the public are not ready yet to move in that direction.

Bermudians know the subject is not over and that the matter could eventually be sorted out through the courts. Meanwhile, it is to be hoped the fallout from the referendum will not lead to emotional scars, either for those in favour or those who oppose the controversial proposals.

Bermuda has many pressing issues that need urgent attention and we can ill afford to be engaged in verbal battles that keep us divided on issues of lifestyle changes that ultimately will damage the anchor for any community: the family.

When the family in any society weakens, the nerve centre for planting seeds of good values is no longer effective, and young minds are more vulnerable to a wide range of negative activities including crime and violence.

A recent appeal for clubs to play a greater role in teaching proper values is a positive gesture, which should be encouraged. But, sadly, too many young people have slipped through the social cracks before reaching the clubs.

Many clubs are, in fact, trying to keep an eye on this problem by initiating programmes aimed at assisting troubled young people, but they can do only so much without full public support. By the same token, Bermuda can be proud of those young people who are continuing to do well in a number of areas that give pride to being Bermudian.

Violent crime on the island is not to be taken likely, and our legislators must be seen and heard to be making bold moves to curb this terribly troubling trend. The fallout for not changing this pattern that could harm Bermuda in a number ways.

Even in the storm of different opinions, we must find a way to the shores of reason and justice for all.