One of the biggest stumbling blocks for most political parties in democratic jurisdictions is the inability to communicate well with the people once in power, and the result usually is confusion, mistrust and ultimately a loss of confidence. The easiest way to lose a government is to lose the people’s trust.

For most governments, this can become quite complicated when a sensitive initiative aimed at helping to improve conditions causes a great deal of controversy. Confrontations could be avoided if the people, regardless of their political leanings, felt they were properly informed of all details involved.

Regular press conferences at each step of the way, with the highest standard of transparency, would enable people to feel a part of whatever is being planned, with an opportunity to voice concerns.

Public meetings where government officials attempt to explain intricate parts of a particular scheme should be helpful, but that depends on the ability to connect with those in disagreement, people who at times can turn a session into a shouting match, with questionable objectives, thus creating even more confusion.

Government officials should go the extra mile in finding better ways to present complex proposals, knowing that the potential for political warfare is ever present when there is the slightest perception based on fact or not that not all is being disclosed. When this happens, the media attempt to cut through political bureaucracy to keep the public informed.

This can be a daunting task when they find it necessary to ask sensitive questions about an issue, where opinion differences are strong between the Government, the Opposition and sections of the community.

It should be pointed out that a government project, large or small, could very well be a positive endeavour. But if people perceive there is a lack of information, the standard of communication could come into play.

All governments should expect negative feedback, which is a normal part of the democratic process. This is why when there are strong differences of opinion on sensitive issues, rather than heated exchanges that serve only to divide further, there should be more input from that section of the community that monitors events without being overshadowed by being aligned to a particular political party.

It boils down to how well we communicate with each other when there are differences of opinion. Bermuda is facing too many problems that need urgent attention to allow tempers, political or otherwise, to stifle healthy discussion. Matters that affect community life must be handled with cool common sense and respectful attitudes.

Voters usually have better memories than politicians and they should never be taken for granted in expecting nothing short of decency and respectful decorum from those charged with holding public office.

Bermuda has made considerable gains over the years in attempting to eradicate leftover negative social attitudes of the past. Withholding the urge to turn the page to a more diverse society, where every human being is entitled to rights, will only keep us from moving forward as one people.

Any steps taken to improve communication in dealing with significant government projects would go a long way towards reducing bitter political confrontation, which occurs too often. Divisiveness should never be our modus operandi. We are much better than that.