The Easter celebration for Christians around the world is special despite the dark moment known as Good Friday, when it seemed the light of hope for a better world was extinguished through the crucifixion of Christ on a hill, along with two thieves.

However, the Christian faith is anchored in the belief that a new beginning unfolded for all through His resurrection days later.

With respect for religions globally, and ideologies that differ from country to country, most worshippers adhere to some form of devotion to ideals that promote helping others and sharing love for one another in a climate of respect and peace. Everyone should have a right to choose what they feel suits their concept of faith, and no one should question that choice.

Perhaps that is why these days there is greater emphasis on ecumenical activity throughout the world, with Christians, Muslims and other religious groups more willing to share a spirit of goodwill despite differences in worship traditions.

Although these gestures are more than welcomed by peace-loving people, we should be mindful that in some parts of the world people are being killed by extremist groups that reject the right to worship freely.

In a beautiful place such as Bermuda, it is incomprehensible that a human would kill another because of religious differences. Sadly, on this planet, it is reality in certain jurisdictions, with world leaders unable to halt the blood-letting, which has claimed millions of lives and left children in a state of trauma.

When considering such events, it seems there are times we in Bermuda are unable to fully grasp the wonderful opportunity we have to show the world how we solve sensitive problems — without needing to destroy what so many have toiled to build through tolerance and hard work.

Bermuda itself seemed headed for trauma during last week’s protests and demonstrations over the Government’s proposed immigration reform Bill. When reflecting on those days of building tensions, which clearly indicated that the atmosphere was taking a turn for the worse, the Government was slow in reading the real mood of the objectors.

As the days passed and tensions mounted, many Bermudians — regardless of how they felt about the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Amendment Act 2016 — were sensing that time was running out to avoid a potential incident that could derail the Bill and the country along with it.

Surely the business community, even though some may have had reservations about the proposal, were more than concerned as the island continues a tightrope walk towards a better economic state. Prolonged work stoppages would make that walk suicidal.

This is an inappropriate time for the usual finger-pointing exercise, which could go in both directions. Instead, we need to look at positives that came out of confrontation, with most of it centred on the grounds of the Parliament building.

Unlike the Belco riots of 1965, which I witnessed as a reporter early in my journalism career, restraint by the police seemed the order of the day in trying to maintain order without inflaming a situation that at times seemed only to require a spark. That should never go unnoticed.

The Premier, Michael Dunkley, was not having the best of times, especially when a minister of his Cabinet felt it necessary to show his disappointment over how his government was handling the matter, and then resigned.

As some would say, things were beginning to hit the fan. Elder statesman Sir John Swan entered the arena, where the temperature between both sides was approaching boiling point. It was time for something to change for us to get back on course. It did, and that was a positive. However, there was another positive that might have slipped by without too much attention.

This was when the Reverend Nicholas Tweed, of the People’s Campaign, read out the agreement reached to end the impasse, noting that the Government had decided to withdraw the Bill, with the intention of having a detailed study of all aspects with others involved before taking any further action.

At one stage there was negative reaction and Mr Tweed, pausing, told the crowd that for progress both sides would need to listen to each other. In other words, listening works only if it is a two-way street.

With the dust now settling hopefully on how best to tackle immigration reform, the likelihood is that with better consultation and communication, the result should yield something positive for Bermuda and her people.

We need to make the most out of the Easter festivities, but most importantly, all of our leaders should use this moment to enter a new beginning in our political deliberations, keeping in mind that, in order for real progress, listening has to be a priority at all times, with dignity and respect high on the agenda.