Few people on this Island would disagree that a new airport for Bermuda is critical.

It is crucial if we are to be competitive in the world of tourism and also maintain the ability to attract international investors to promote business growth and create more jobs for Bermudians.

Under the present economic circumstances, no political group or civic organisation can wave a magic wand and improve things overnight. And that continues to be a problem as the Island tries to work out a dilemma that could threaten our future.

Unfortunately, the old ghost of political divisiveness seems intent on keeping people on edge over the process.

While everyone has a right to question any aspect of the potential arrangement that involves Canadian developers, a war of words has ignited an undertow of political fighting between the One Bermuda Alliance Government and the Opposition Progressive Labour Party over whether Bermuda will benefit should the current proposal proceed.

Those who are not joined at the hip to either political party are growing increasingly concerned that the move to bring our airport facilities up to standards that meet modern-day expectations is being deeply mired in political warfare that could derail not only efforts to improve our economy but also create further divisiveness in Bermuda. The latter is a negative we can do without.

Bermuda is in a precarious economic state and while most agree that something needs to be done to boost our economic infrastructure, emotions are running high about who knows best about what steps to take. This is becoming more of a problem than the actual problem itself.

In fact, some people are reluctant to even discuss the matter without risking an unpleasant exchange. In our small society, that can be troubling even in family circles.

Amid allegations from the Opposition and protest groups that Government has not been forthright in the process to build a badly needed new airport, concern continues to mount over controversy surrounding certain e-mails between parties involved and whether information exchanged displayed attempts to mislead.

There were even calls from the Opposition for the Finance Minister Bob Richards to resign, but during a special television programme, not sponsored by Government, Mr Richards was adamant that at no time did he engage in any communication that misled — or hid — something from the public.

He vehemently denounced allegations that Government was not operating above board, and expressed concern that without proper information about a highly complex process, some were jumping to the wrong conclusions.

When people get worked up over any issue, the result can be marches or demonstrations against those in authority.

This was prevalent in the United States recently over shootings involving police and minority groups. In one incident, people were all set to march and protest until evidence clearly showed an officer responded lawfully with deadly force after being attacked by an unarmed young man, who had assaulted others prior to the shooting. It was revealed later that the dead man had illegal substances in his system that could have affected his behaviour.

A lesson from this is that people need to be careful before jumping to conclusions before learning the full details of a particular matter.

In the world of politics, observers are always mindful that allegations and counter allegations are usually riddled with inaccuracies. Trying to get at the truth can be a challenge for the free press and the public.

The last thing Bermuda needs is emotionally heated politics with little regard for what is best for the people of the Island — and I mean all the people, instead of what may benefit the status of a particular political party.

The danger here is that getting people riled up is one thing, but when tempers cross the line with disrespectful conduct, the outcome is difficult to predict.

A wounded political party seeking to regain its footing in the community will often resort to whatever measures they anticipate will bring results. This is a common tactic globally.

In our small jurisdiction, it would be a shame to have our leaders slicing each other up over any issue instead of attempting to insert reason and common sense into trying to reach a consensus to move forward.

No one should feel like a traitor for simply disagreeing with this or that view. People have a democratic right to express themselves, but it is always more productive if it is carefully thought out and the facts are examined before concluding who is right or wrong.

A new modern airport has long been overdue and at least there is no dispute there.

The road to that objective is still clustered with political divisiveness and the people want it cleared up in a manner that upholds credibility and integrity.

A new airport is more important than playing political games at the expense of the Bermudian people.