When General Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the order “we go” for the D Day invasion, he was fully aware of the heavy price that would be paid to obtain victory over Nazi Germany. The Supreme Allied commander also knew that his military career was on the line should the invasion fail, and had penned a note willing to take full blame if things went wrong.

Governments should also be willing to take full responsibility should an initiative fail to reach the high mark, especially on matters of major public concern.

For this reason it is paramount that communication between any Government and the people be at the highest level, to avoid accusations that transparency has been side stepped in the rush to implement various policies.

The One Bermuda Alliance must be aware that there has been an increase in rumblings over the planned introduction of casinos. With a proposed referendum scrubbed, many see a series of planned meetings by Government as an attempt to convince the public that the Island really has no choice in allowing casinos, if tourism is to improve.

The problem is that many feel the biggest gamble is opening the door to gambling itself.

Most Bermudians want tourism to improve, but they have reservations over whether casinos would be managed in a way that would keep the Island from falling victim to additional addiction problems, and the social ills that hurt families in many jurisdictions.

It is a legitimate concern that should not be brushed aside, simply because it is not music to the ears of potential investors. In all fairness, if Government has an air tight arrangement that casino activity would be for visitors only, objections might not be as severe.

However, in the world of gambling, concern about the effects on people’s lives is a distant second to the house, which wins every night.

Almost everyone agrees that something needs to be done to create jobs, despite the economic situation that continues to result in job cut backs, that further burden those trying to keep their heads above water.

It is a time for truly close co-operation between management, the unions, and employees, to avoid conflicts that only make it more difficult to move forward.

There are no easy answers for either side, but a co-operative spirit between everyone involved would create a greater understanding of whatever has to be done to keep as many people as possible working, while protecting the interest of business operations that need to be viable to provide jobs.

Much is expected from the Government of the day, even though they have their hands full in trying to seek ways to boost jobs, and the economy. While most Bermudians want success, they also expect greater clarity on issues, especially the casino initiative.

Democracy provides the right to express concerns, and reports that the casino project is irreversible has more than a few people uncomfortable about the manner it is being handled.

As expected, any controversial issue draws fire from the opposition. However, they should remember, it was a lack of transparency during their time in office that lead to their removal by the electorate.

The OBA is not perfect, and neither are the Progressive Labour Party. Both have an opportunity to work closer for the good of the Island and its people. If nothing else, we should never gamble with our future, locked in political confrontation at every turn, during this economic storm.

The stakes are simply too high.