In recent years the Island has had to cope with various disruptions in numerous public services as a result of disputes that spill over into work stoppages.

These problems leave many wondering whether we will ever be able to reach a higher level of communication to allow disagreements to be resolved first by leaders, before actions are taken which affect day-to-day operations.

Tough times in any family can be made a lot tougher, without good honest communication at the meal table about how the family can best survive by sacrifice and doing things together. How many times have we heard the saying: “It is not what you say, but how you say it?”

After so many years of labour and management confrontations and communication failures between Government and the people, we should have learned better techniques to avoid disruptions in basic services.

Somehow, regardless of past blunders in communication in so many areas of public life, we are yet to reach that new level of communication where the people feel truly involved in decisions that affect their daily lives.

Just like a family in trouble, Governments also have a tough time at the meal table when tough decisions are required to keep the proverbial ship afloat.

The difference is that Governments too often send mixed messages over what should be done to keep meat on the table for all. It is that problem with communication that creates mixed reactions.

In the family situation, the head of the household would have to be out front with honesty and sensitivity about the need to cut back on essentials until some light appears at the end of the tunnel.

Many Bermudian families were skilled at this during the war years because it was the only way to make it from day to day. For some families unjust social conditions made things even worse. Despite that, the burning desire to make Bermuda a better place kept hope alive.

During tough times, a family in trouble is more likley to adhere to sacrifices as long as every member is involved; and that means even a slice of bread is shared equally.

I recall a story about two England Test players who happened to be brothers during the war years. Food was scarce throughout much of the world and there was a Test match to played.

To keep those players in the best shape possible, family members provided them with portions of their helpings to keep them strong.

Bermuda has made considerable progress over the years in many areas of public life and during our current tough economic times we need closer and better communication at the table to move to a higher level of communicating in a way that people can feel they have a chair at that table.

Bermudians hear that the next Government budget is expected to be extremely tough, but while that may be so, most Bermudians would like to know that any further sacrifices will be shared by everyone around that table.

In other words a family in trouble will be in further trouble if some members have a loaf of bread, while others sit wondering why they only have a half slice. It will not be a happy family.

No political party alone has the answer here. Most Bermudians want success with attention being given to the needs of the people as the ultimate priority in promoting growth.

Bermuda needs stability and a stronger cooperative spirit to tackle many problems during testing times in so many areas.

Most importantly, to communicate better on highly sensitive issues, without trying to protect this or that group’s image, could open the door to a more inclusive Bermuda and a new day for the people who are the ones who keep our island machine running.