concern to all Bermudians. We say that because we believe that there are grave dangers for the future of Bermuda.

Bermuda has a long history of dedicated and selfless service to the Country in all sorts of public bodies by outstanding and talented people. These people saw it as their duty to give their time to a Country which they loved and which treated them well.

But things seem to be changing quite rapidly. More and more Bermudians are asking, "What's in it for me and mine?'' Some of this attitude comes about because increasing public display of Bermuda's wealth makes some people hungry for more. Doubtless there are politicians who are in public office for themselves, their egos and what they can get. But the situation is much more complex.

Many talented and capable people who have a good deal to offer Bermuda stay away from public service because they do not want to become embroiled in the controversy which today so often surrounds that service. They do not wish to involve themselves or their families in public acrimony.

Some of this difficulty stems from party politics and the attempts by the parties to gain a few votes by causing controversy over even the smallest things. Political parties also use their disinformation machines to smear anyone they perceive as disposable. People who are giving their time and their effort then begin to wonder just why they bother to serve.

The standards for controversy and confrontation are often set in Parliament where members behave without respect for other members no matter how dedicated their efforts. The standard of behaviour is not what it once was and that spreads throughout the Country because people begin to think it is acceptable.

In large countries, it might go unnoticed and have very little effect on the public. In Bermuda it is magnified by the size of the Country.

As a result, quality people move away from public service with obvious results. There is only a limited amount of real talent in Bermuda to go around and when that talent begins to confine itself to its own living then Bermuda is in trouble.

We believe there are any number of people who will not run for the House of Assembly because they do not want to deal with the confrontation and they do not want their families to be subjected to the publicity. "Not me. We don't need all that,'' is the growing attitude.

It is the fashion in Bermuda to decry all politicians and to behave as if they are enemy aliens in their own Country. There is no longer very much public respect associated with being elected to the House. Indeed, quite the opposite seems to be true. There must be any number of people who wish they had never sought office.

Unless Bermuda can move toward a change in style and atmosphere, then the Country will be deprived of the service of the best and the brightest.