As Bermuda continues its struggle in trying to regain its footing toward positive objectives about our way of life, the building blocks which really are our young people, are being cracked by negative outpouring by some, who feel entitled to venting their personal gripes, sending signals that an organised plot is afoot to prevent diversified growth in our communities.

A life boat will never make it to shore, if some passengers paddling with determination to reach safety, are hampered by others so angry over who is doing the paddling, they decide to drill holes in the bottom, which of course threatens everyone on board.

If there were children on that life boat, they would be concerned about reaching safety, rather than who was doing the paddling.

Bermuda has many young fresh minds developing in a new era of diversification, at a time when most of the racial walls of the past, have been torn down, as has happened in many parts of the world.

Certainly there is still much work to be done globally, to reach the highest peak of accepting each other as fellow human beings, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

Those who are not yet able to shake off negative shackles from the past, make moving forward more difficult.

Such attitudes hinder the ability to have an open mind to embrace a new day of diversity where everyone willing to make a contribution to building Bermuda is welcomed.

It is always encouraging to see fresh young minds of all racial backgrounds, or ethnic origins, engaged in various projects in our schools, and other community activities, aimed at learning how to live and work together.

This momentum should never be poisoned by planting negative seeds of mistrust and divisiveness. Bermuda is too small for that nonsense.

In any democracy, free speech is cherished, but making good use of that opportunity has never been without its challenges.

Despite much social progress over the years, our political divide is still embedded on racial lines, and that is troubling to those who know real progress demands closing that gap, if we hope to strengthen our core values for healthy and safe living together.

Our deeply troubled economy has affected many families, and there are no quick solutions.

In the midst of this enormous challenge, every effort should be made to improve the situation which is not an easy task for any political group, or organisation.

During this struggle, from time to time, tempers flare and almost forgotten, is the effect nasty remarks can have on young minds seeking to understand the world around them.

The on going debate over the use of marijuana has caused a stir throughout our communities, and Government must exercise every caution before legally opening the door for this substance, which is also a threat to fresh young minds.

With alcohol and cigarettes having already taken a heavy toll on the young and old in many countries, including our island home Bermuda, it seems foolhardy to open the door wider to an additional toxicant based on popularity.

Cannabis for medical purposes is another story, which is still being researched.

Our young minds already under threat from numerous negative distractions, including various forms of abuse, need protection if they are to become solid citizens for tomorrow.

One lost mind has the potential of becoming a problem for all.

Bermuda has great potential, and we have many fresh young minds in our schools hoping to take advantage of the opportunity to explore that potential.

Our future success will depend on how well those young minds are guided and protected. Every Bermudian should have that goal as their highest priority.