and to look back over the past year. And there have been changes here in Bermuda. We have a new Premier; we have new Mayors -- in Hamilton and in St.

George's; we have a new Commanding Officer for the Regiment, we have new CEOs at the two biggest banks. The Leader of the Opposition and the Bishop of Bermuda have completed their first years in office. And then, there are new buildings as well. The CedarBridge Academy on the top of the hill shows the changes in the education system. There's the Underwater Exploration Institute and a refurbished Somerset Police Station, as well as a newly refurbished Matilda Smith Williams home.

But as the year goes by, there are also losses. Bermudians joined the many around the globe who mourned the passing of Diana, Princes of Wales, and Mother Theresa within a few days of each other. They flocked in their thousands to sign condolence books and to attend remembrance services. But we in Bermuda, as others, drew inspiration also from the lives of these two ladies and the care that they showed for their fellow beings.

On the island too, we mourned the passing of a very distinguished and witty Speaker, David Wilkinson, and the internationally renowned Harry Cox. But at the same time as mourning their loss, we also paid tribute to what they had done for us who are left behind.

Ever since we came to the island, my wife and I have been struck by the huge variety of activity that goes on here, and at such a high and distinguished level. We have enjoyed music: The Messiah, The Tattoo, Concerts in the Park, Concerts in St. George's, Jazz, Ballet. And so too with painting. We have enjoyed exhibitions of some of Bermuda's most talented artists and, by those who have been drawn here by their love of the country and by their wish to paint it. The same is true of sport. International sportsmen come here and give us a feast to enjoy, whether in golf, cricket, sailing, rugby -- we've enjoyed all of those and we've also enjoyed Bermudians performing to the highest standards against world competition. And remembering, demonstrating too, that by working as a team, you could very often do better than individuals who are striving on their own.

The same is true of the community Bermuda is a community that takes care of itself. We have been very impressed by the work done by St. John's, by the Red Cross by the Guides and the Scouts, the Cadets and the Sea Cadets. Most recently, we had an Awards Ceremony up here at Government House for those who had done well in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme. We saw some fine young people.

But I was also perhaps, particularly impressed by the Awards for Bravery and Life-Saving. We met some real heroes who had been prepared to put their lives on the line for their fellow beings. Some of them were from the police, excellent examples of a fine body of people working for the community. We have pride too in the Regiment, whether enjoying the band or the finely drilled parades. And we are fortunate too in our Fire Service.

But one of the changes this year has been the arrival of a new Governor. So perhaps I should briefly introduce my wife and myself. We were, both of us, born in Africa, in Uganda. We went away to boarding school together in Kenya at the age of six. We have spent much of our working lives in Asia or in Africa or in London, looking after those countries and Britain's interests in them. Most recently, we served in Tanzania and then in Nigeria. We have been lucky enough to bring with us some mementos of our time in Africa to have with us at Government House along with the wonderful paintings of Bermuda that have been loaned to us. In fact, we were enjoying ourselves in Bermuda that after just a few weeks, we invited members of our family to join us and were delighted when two of our children, and two of our grandchildren were able to do so.

One of the high spots of that visit was when I took my son-in-law, Raj, to the final of the Eastern Counties Cricket game. Raj, himself is originally from Sri Lanka with plenty of cricket in his genes. He and I determined that next year. we should take his son, my grandson to introduce him to the fine cricket played here in Bermuda.

And on that family note, my wife and I would like to say a very big 'Thank You' to you all, for the welcome extended to us, and to wish you the very best for 1998.

THE PREMIER Pamela Gordon The essential message of Christmas is as real today as it was more than 2000 years ago: Peace, goodwill towards all mankind. I am pleased to have this opportunity to bring this Christmas message to you, for the first time as your Premier. For there is no better time for all Bermuda to begin to live the message of goodwill than now, this Christmas. 1997.

As a country our blessings continue, year after year. We enjoy progress and prosperity and are spared disasters, such as famine and war which ravage so much of the world in our time.

By comparison with some nations, great and small, we have been able to achieve success in many of our material goals in spite of some disappointing aspects of our economy. Areas of social concern are also being addressed and, because Bermuda is a small country, we have the unique advantage of being able to respond to those in need.

Certainly our reasons for giving thanks far outnumber any causes for discontent. That in itself is enough to celebrate this Christmas.

At this time I would like to acknowledge the voluntary role played by so many individuals and organizations in support of Government's efforts to help make this country a pleasant place in which to live. Their example should inspire all of us to reach out a little more to each other with respect and compassion so that we can achieve success also in terms of our social goals for our fellow citizens in this island.

The goodwill of which we speak at Christmas begins within the heart of every individual and, like a ripple in the water, can spread to every corner of our community. Each one of us can do our part to make a difference in the lives of those around us, especially the members of our own families, for the benefit of the country as a whole.

We have an opportunity to show the rest of the world how a diverse people can rise above differences and personal interests to become a country that, above all else cares for the good of our fellow men.

The new year and the new millennium will bring many challenges for Bermuda. Of that we can be certain. I am confident, however, that Bermuda and its people will be able to meet every challenge with the diligence and determination that has served us well throughout the years.

This Christmas will be particularly meaningful for my family, especially my mother to whom I owe special gratitude. Like many other mothers in Bermuda, we too, have been busy with all the hectic preparations to help make this a special Christmas for our family. I hope that yours is a special Christmas too.

So at this time, my family joins me and my colleagues in Government in wishing you and your families a very happy Christmas and all the very best for the New Year. May God bless you all.

JENNIFER SMITH Opposition leader On this Christmas Day, as I reflect on the meaning of this holiday, I realise that the example of leadership that has been given us is one of subjugating self. I think of our young people, our elderly, those who are unemployed or outside of society -- I think of the work of people like Fern Wade, Clayton Simmons, Eugene Eversley, John Gilbert, and Paul Simmons, who put others first.

When I see the various Christmas ornaments decorating trees and shop windows, I reflect on the very real angels we have living amongst us -- those who make their rounds at the hospital bedsides caring for their fellowmen and passing on the gift of human kindness. I reflect on those who do not enjoy a day on Holidays because they are taking care of our safety, our transportation, our health, our communications, or our nutrition and entertainment needs.

On this Christmas Day, I give thanks for hearts that care, hands that lift and spirits that share.

I give thanks that in a world filled with human suffering -- we in Bermuda have much to be thankful for -- in spite of those among us still who do not share in the prosperity that is Bermuda. For the majority of the residents in our country, today, more than any other day of the year, symbolises the essence of the values we hold dear.

While I have no doubt that individually, each of us truly believes in the principles of faith, hope, love and charity -- when we come together as a society, somewhere along the line these values have gone amiss.

Every day of the year we are bombarded with media stories that highlight the lack of caring and concern for our families, our friends and our neighbours.

Violence to, and our youth, those who are least able to defend themselves -- the elderly and our youth -- is on the rise. The numbing of yet another generation of young people through alcohol and drug abuse continues; and there is a growing sector of the public who feel disenfranchised and disconnected from the community at large. Yet, on this Christmas Day, I feel hope. Hope that is symbolised by this season's concentration on giving to others.

Someone recently mentioned to me that when we talk about "society's values'' and the demands of living in today's world, we seem to forget that a "society'' is made up of individuals. Each of us is a thread in the fabric that creates the patterns that shape our community. The choices we make, which neighbourhood to live in...schools we send our children to...people we associate with...the worldly goods we choose to gather -- set the standards of existence for others in our society to follow. Our neighbours, our friends and our families.

Today, we can take individual responsibility for all our choices. We can individually and collectively express our wishes and desires for the type of society in which we want to live. Bermudians have a long and honourable history of overcoming adversity and fashioning a better life for the next generation.

In a few days a new year will be upon us, whether your celebration focuses on Christmas, Ramadan, Hanukah, Kwansaa' or some other tradition -- I hope that in reflecting on the true spirit of your celebration, you determine to keep this spirit alive in your hearts throughout the coming year.

On behalf of the Parliamentarians, Officers and Members of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party, I wish you a season of love, joy, peace and goodwill that continues on through a bright New Year.'' CHARLES H. JEFFERS NLP Chairman In just a short time 1997 will take its place in history. In a political sense, to say that the year was interesting would be an understatement. There were many issues debated in parliament that, in my view, were time consuming in a negative sense. Some of these issues continue to be causes for concern. I think especially of our young people, some of whom were in great turmoil this year. Nevertheless we should all be grateful that the year has been free from major catastrophes and that we still have good reasons to be optimistic about our future.

1998 is the year a general election must take place. In all probability, the men and women elected to the next parliament will be leading Bermuda into the 21st century. It is our individual and collective duty to ensure that, to the best of our knowledge and ability, we choose the right places to do the right things in the right way.

Christmas, for those of us who are of the Christian faith, is a celebration of God's gift to the world, His Son, Jesus Christ. I know that there are many that hold other religious beliefs but there is at least one thing we should all have in common -- the spirit of giving. My hope and prayer for the coming year is that all politicians will be more concerned about giving themselves to working for the needs and the will of the people rather than giving themselves to retaining or gaining power. I also hope and pray that we will be dedicated to giving of our best to make life a little brighter for those who are in need.

Together, let us make 1998 a year of unprecedented cooperation by all segments of society.

POLITICS PTL