Bermuda is facing extremely tough decisions in the year ahead, and a good portion of the electorate are pondering whether the political conflict, which shows no sign of abating, could eventually stifle initiatives aimed at moving this Island from an undercurrent of confusion and doubt over how to achieve success.

When the Progressive Labour Party was ousted from power little more than a year ago it was clear that the electorate had reached the end of the line over what they felt was misguided leadership, and they had lost faith in an administration that appeared to be obsessed mainly with political survival.

This provided a window for the newly formed One Bermuda Alliance, which was formed after the United Bermuda Party disintegrated, following a loss in public confidence, and vanished from the political arena.

Although the OBA brought into play new faces, a number of former UPB members with parliamentary experience joined their ranks, which touched off speculation that the new political party was simply the UBP with a different set of clothing. However, the electorate was so disgusted with the twist and turns of the PLP, they seemed willing to give anyone else a chance to move the Island to something better.

Obviously our history of social injustice contributed to misgivings over whether we, as a people, have been able to reach the high ground of working closely together, with the single objective of making life better for every Bermudian citizen.

The same people from all sections of the community who decided the Island needed new leadership, are watching very closely again to determine whether the new administration is living up to promises made prior to gaining power. This is the task of every electorate in a democratic setting.

What many people are having a problem with these days is that promised transparency. Keeping the people well informed on every major endeavour has fallen short of expectations. Few would deny that the new Government faced a major challenge with the Island in such debt, that the economic situation took centre stage. However, from day one, their task was to improve the plight of every Bermudian, and it is not a good thing when people start second guessing whether this is being done to the fullest.

No democratic Government is safe when the people feel left out of having a voice on any issue concerning their daily lives. Even if they perceive a touch of dictatorial tactics from leadership, the seeds are being planted for mistrust, and a lost of confidence.

Any Government wishing to gain support and confidence must be quick to recognise these weaknesses which could hit any political group, and should never be allowed to fester. Governments must lead by example. They cannot, in one breath, expect the people to make great economic sacrifice, while they are perceived to be falling short in doing likewise.

In politics, perception is a key element, because what politicians say, and what they do, results in lasting impressions about credibility and judgement.

In chatting with a few seniors recently most still felt ill used, in having their free car licenses taken away from them, simply because the previous Government allowed sloppy registration to permit abuse of the system depriving Government of much needed revenue.

How this was allowed to go on for quite some time, without people appearing before the courts, or heads rolling, is still baffling. The bottom line is that many still feel victimised, and are being made to to pay because of inefficiency of a Government department. They also feel this is not a reflection of dedicated employees, but was the result of implementation of a flawed system, while good intentioned.

As we move into the new year, hopefully the Government of the day, will reflect on the importance of being transparent to a point where the people begin to feel a part of Cabinet, in that their concerns are on the front burners.

While it is easy to criticise, few people would really want to be in the Premier’s chair, with the responsibility of leading, and maintaining a high degree of trust and confidence from the electorate, at a time when so many are having a difficult time making ends meet.

This certainly is not a time to play political musical chairs with so much at stake. Most of the people are in no mood for any type of game playing, to keep one group or the other out front with public favour. What they want is straight honest talk, and not well crafted, polished, political statements. It is accepted that any Government needs to exercise care in providing the public with information, but this must be done with transparency and accountability clearly out front.

Craig Cannonier is obviously aware that the buck stops with him, and that any misconceptions over how his administration is performing, should not be taken lightly. He must be also aware that there are those still bitter over the PLP’s removal, who will jump at anything to fault Government. That being the case the Government must avoid providing critics with ammunition, by being clear and positive in all efforts to serve the people.

Anything short of this will make it difficult to maintain a hold on full support from the electorate. That will be vital if the OBA hopes to carry the leadership banner for another term.

Failure for Bermuda is not an option, and the Bermudian people deserve the best, and most want success. That is only possible if no stone is left unturned, in serving the needs of every Bermudian, and if there is to be sacrifice, everyone must be a part of the effort.