Even during these testing economic times, with growing concern about crime, illegal drugs, antisocial behaviour, lingering matters relating to senior citizens care, and what some folks perceive is a Bermuda losing its way, there are still positive signs that there is hope for a better, brighter future.

The electorate at the moment is riding wave after wave of confrontations between different groups, with strong political connections that make it difficult to follow as close as possible the controversial events of the day. When each group claims it represents the people of Bermuda, things become blurred since we all know there are strong differences of opinion throughout the island on a number of issues.

Those on the fence, meanwhile, weigh the pros and cons carefully before reaching conclusions. It is as though we would rather have confrontation instead of consultation.

In recent years, Bermuda has undergone a series of troubling events over issues involving the One Bermuda Alliance government, and the Progressive Labour Party as the Opposition, along with protest groups, which of course is a part of the democratic process.

However, when you have groups, political or otherwise, anchored in positions on an issue with no sign of a willingness to compromise, much of the electorate begins to wonder about objectives.

When a government decision is made that has one group enraged, the door swings wide open for verbal warfare between people with opposing political allegiance. Bermuda is quite familiar with heated confrontation over an issue that causes tempers to flare, creating tensions that detract from the many positive aspects of our island community.

There is always room for improvement in any area of community life, and while no government will get it perfect, there are times when cool, positive thinking is required from the Government, the Opposition and the public so that we may move to a higher ground of reasoning in seeking proper solutions.

No decision made by any government in a democratic setting will please everyone. However, it is the right of the people to question a decision they find falls below their expectations. What is most important is that both sides need to respect each other, no matter how strong their differences. This would reduce the bitterness and anger that often cloud the ability to reach common ground in sorting out a problem.

No problem is unsolvable when there is genuine effort to stay focused on the positives. Bermuda is still a very special place with a promising future. But that will depend on how well we stay focused as we work through our differences.