Sometimes the truth hurts, but that does not mean we should shy away from it, nor avoid doing what is right, even if doing what is right makes us uncomfortable.

Few people would deny that our judicial system suffered a setback as a result of the outcome of Rebecca Middleton case.

The fact that most people felt justice was not done, left many wondering whether the case was purposefully mishandled by authorities of the day, or it was a display of judicial bungling on a massive scale.

It is painful to revisit this tragedy during a time when Bermuda is struggling to overcome an economic crisis, and re- build confidence as a first class tourist resort, along with expanding international business.

However, it could be even more painful if we choose to smoother efforts to re-examine as closely as possible, the events surrounding this awful crime.

Preventing a Canadian film group from making a documentary on the subject gives the impression that this Island has something to hide, and that is not good.

Documentaries are made around the world about historic events, and conditions, involving the human experience. Without them the world would be in the dark in many instances.

Most people familiar with the Middleton case are convinced that something went wrong with the prosecution. It has to be said, however, that no system is perfect and we should not be ashamed to acknowledge that.

Our judicial system has handled many delicate cases over the years, with considerable satisfaction from the public, and in this instance full exposure to the proceedings, as painful as it may be, would prove that in Bermuda truth is more important than image protection.

There is no way a young girl’s life should be snuffed out in such brutal fashion, with no one paying the price. That in itself begs for further examination of the legal process in seeking justice.

It is not a question of blaming everyone on the Island for what happened. Nothing can be reversed, but there is nothing wrong with taking a hard truthful look to ensure that nothing like this could ever happen again.

Throughout history, the discovering of truth has carried a heavy price. Who could forget the distinguished German Field Marshall, Erwin Rommel, a much celebrated military strategist, who discovered the great wrongs his country was engaged in during the closing stages of the Second World War.

Instead of pretending it was not happening, he put his life on the line in secretly turning against Adolph Hitler, with intentions of removing him from power. Rommel knew his fate would be sealed if Hitler had knowledge of his intentions.

However he choose to take the risk, and as history has recorded, he paid with his life and was later commended in Parliament for having the courage to stand up against what he knew was wrong.

If only we could display such courage in facing up to a judicial mistake that continues to haunt this Island.

Unless there is evidence that the Canadian film crew had malicious intentions they should have been given the green light to produce a documentary on the subject, in the hope that facts surrounding the case would be re-examined, with the key objective of informing with unbiased professionalism.

Justice may never be served in this case, but at least the people are entitled to know why. It is embarrassing to think the Canadian crew has been judged as a potential publicity threat, even before the first frame of film is shot.

Bermuda has always had a good relationship with Canada, and nothing would help to strengthen that bond than our willingness to be open, and honest, in dealing with this case.

Hopefully this matter will not become a verbal feeding ground for attacks, and counter attacks, in the political arena.

That could produce more negativity than any film crew could muster, and would be counter-productive.

We need to pause and think this through.