By Al Seymour

In democratic Governments, large and small, there are times when it is essential to make changes in order to achieve better effectiveness, in serving the people in a manner that leaves little doubt that their concerns are being addressed.

Any Government seeking success cannot afford to misread public sentiment, which is the best gauge to monitor the true tone of the electorate. These days those in leadership positions have the dubious task of trying to please so many people, on so many fronts, that it takes courage, and inner commitment to serve. Knowing that at no time will all the people be pleased when some decisions are taken in the interest of positive effectiveness.

The Government that pays close attention to its own performance is more likely to succeed than a Government that is afraid to change. In cricket terms, the opening batsmen who just might not be performing to give the team a foundation to work on.

Unlike sports, in politics, any change on the front line, generates speculation, and usually sets off a storm of rumours about motives behind such action.

There is absolutely nothing new in Government Cabinet reshuffles, which is a normal part of the political arena. Few would deny that these are extremely difficult times for Bermuda, and the One Bermuda Alliance Government, must be seen to be effective, after being given the green light from the electorate, to put the island on a better course, when confidence was lost with the previous Progressive Labour Party Government.

The Opposition PLP had every opportunity to solidify themselves with the electorate over a 14 year period, but many observers feel they failed to make crucial changes in how they conducted their business, which ultimately is the people’s business, and when that happens, the people make decisions themselves, through the ballot box.

The Premier, Craig Cannonier, must have realised that there were not enough runs being scored on the board of progress, if Bermuda is to win this match against tough economic times. He must also be acutely aware that crucial issues such as jobs, education, crime, health and tourism are vital to improving our social infrastructure. Since education is much more than what happens in the class room, this area needs our best foot forward.

What is puzzling to many seniors these days, is that in the past, our education system produced many successful citizens despite the social flaws of that period.

Of course over the years many changes have occurred, and in today’s setting, educators are confronted with new challenges in coping with distractions that never existed years ago, while trying to raise standards to meet growing demands by the international business community.

There is a long hard road ahead, with many tough decisions ahead. Our Government of the day cannot play games with what seems popular or unpopular. When a tough call is necessary to move Bermuda and the people forward and protect our values, it should be done without hesitation.

The Opposition must also play a key role, because while their critical observations are welcomed as part of the democratic process, they must be careful not to appear to be critical simply because they are the Opposition. The One Bermuda Alliance deserve credit for changing the batting order while keeping the team intact, because being effective is more important than being Government.

The year ahead is going to be challenging to say the least, but maybe the festive season will remind us that we all live on this island together, and we need to overcome differences politically, or otherwise, to achieve success we all want. There will be no easy solutions but progress will depend on how well we are willing to work together as one people. The bottom line is that truth, honesty, respect and credibility will go a long way in helping to re build our island home. Again the people will be the judge on how those qualities are applied by those charged with leading us in the right direction.