Apart from some of the friendliest people in the world, Bermuda is also known for its crystal clear waters that enable one to observe much of the fascinating life beneath the surface, as though it was a sheet of glass.

Although it is a beautiful experience, we are all mindful that during a storm things change when ocean currents forcefully cause the water to lose its transparency, as sand and mud is pushed about by the power of nature.

In the world of politics throughout much of the democratic arena, political storms often cloud out transparency, leaving the people partially blind to what is really taking place and waiting for the storm to pass, creates confusion and a lack of trust that is never helpful in any society.

As Bermuda is still locked in a crucial battle to overcome a serious economic dilemma, we have a storm of allegations, and counter allegations, between Government and the Opposition Progressive Labour Party, over various issues with complex legal ramifications that perhaps can only be resolved in a court of law.

Political attacks and counter attacks are certainly nothing new in political jurisdictions globally, and this is clearly evidenced in the current wave of campaigns in the United States, as the country gears up to elect the next president. The electorate there will be bombarded with just about every type of scheme to make America a better place. Most Americans know politicians come and go, but they the people will always be there.

It is amazing how politicians often plead for support like reborn souls prior to an election, but once in office too often there is some type of transformation, and the promised commitment to serve with unbridled transparency fades. This is not an attack on the OBA Government, or the Opposition PLP, but hopefully will be a reminder that most of the people of this island simply want truth and total transparency in the running of public affairs by elected officials.

Any event that runs counter to what people expect when it comes to transparency in all matters concerning the public purse will cause alarm bells to ring in the public domain, and the door swings open to unlimited interpretations, right or wrong.

In other words every effort should be made by those in authority to avoid doing anything that could spark a negative reaction not only from political opponents, but also from much of the public.

During this time of economic sacrifice by so many, it is not heart-warming to hear that some people collected a bonus while doing their jobs for the Tourism Authority. Nothing against those people who are probably doing excellent work for Bermuda.

However for people struggling from day to day to make ends meet, and knowing many Government employees were forced to take a pay cut over our economic plight, it seems an inappropriate time to even think of a bonus for anyone. It is not a question of whether they deserve it or not, but it is a question of whether we can afford to do this during the current crisis. There is also the risk of sending a mixed message, that the real burden in sacrifice is not being shared equally.

The responsibility of any Government is to keep the affairs of the public as transparent as our crystal clear waters on the best summer day. This is what most Bermudians hold as their highest priority, and they will always be the final judges for who they feel will uphold these principles.

Bashing each about with angry words will only keep the waters muddy and prevent us from getting a clear picture of what is going on. Truth will always have the strongest legs, and that should keep us on a firm footing. We must be more willing to discuss any issue with the single goal of whatever is best for Bermuda and its people.

There is no denying that our political waters are troubled, with growing concern as to what is behind it all. In politics it is not easy to determine objectives in the middle of heated exchanges, but the people never sleep, and those who stumble will be held accountable.

We can and must have a better Bermuda, because after all, this is our home.