There are numerous struggles around the world, which continue to take a heavy toll on the lives of men, women and children, with extremist groups who have no tolerance for anyone not in harmony with their beliefs usually prohibiting freedom of worship by faiths outside of their ideology.

Extremism is at the centre of most of the violence so prevalent throughout the world today and attempts by the United Nations and other international groups, have failed in reducing the effect that extremism is having on so many cultures, especially in the Middle East, where many are denied the right to worship in absolute freedom, without fear of persecution or even death.

Some conflicts, hundreds of years old, have generations that have known nothing other than a life of violence, with the revenge factor a driving force in keeping bitterness and hatred between opposing groups so intense that efforts to seek peace crumble with each deadly encounter. It is a growing concern for the international community because global militancy is beginning to spread to places previously thought of as safe from any form of terrorism.

Bermuda, although hardly noticeable on the global map, could with our small diverse population, demonstrate to the rest of the world that people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds can work together to build a strong, healthy and safe society, with respect for each other. Democracy is functioning when that happens and we as a people should be able to shake off hang-ups from the past, in a new day of joining hands to solve problems not as a member of this or that group, but a member of the Bermuda community.

Despite our extremely challenging economic plight that continues to have many good citizens struggling to make ends meet, the Island is poised to move forward if we harness our best resources in taking advantage of an opportunity to make the most of the prestigious America’s Cup. If we get the official green light as hosts, it could be a possible game changer in trying to get those economic wheels rolling again.

New hotels and a new airport are positive factors in revitalising our jobs situation, which is far from healthy, but hopefully the old-fashioned Bermudian spirit, which helped us to get this far, will prevail.

However, for success, much better co-operation will be needed between the Government, the Opposition and community groups committed to building a better Bermuda.

Keeping our eye on the ball during this critical stage is vital because without a community of values for good living, material gains will be a cover for underlying problems that could affect future generations, such as poor attitudes by too many young people, and the impact of weak parenting in a world awash with negative elements.

Bermuda could lead the way in ensuring that proper values are passed on to the next generation by including in our educational curriculum a subject specifically designed to teach young minds the importance of religious tolerance and respect for others despite racial, ethnic or political differences.

Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of Britain, is engaged in such a programme in the Middle East, in the hope of reducing the amount of children who fall victim to religious extremism, often with tragic results. It is a programme that he recently said he would like to see on a global scale.

Bermuda has an opportunity to be a showpiece for harmony and peace for the rest of the world — and that opportunity for future generations should not be missed. The ball is in our court.