As we face 2009, the world will still be in the midst of economic turmoil of historic proportions. This financial crisis is far from over. One economic writer very recently said: "We are just at the end of the beginning." This is an extraordinary period for Bermuda which requires extraordinary action of National Unity.

Bermuda will not be immune or exempt from grave challenges of the worldwide economic crisis. We will make a big mistake if we think this problem is smaller than it is and it would not affect us. It is far less dangerous in overestimating the problem and what will be necessary to cope with the problem.

Bermudians I talk to feel great anxiety about their finances and their future. They are worried about their homes, their businesses and keeping their jobs or finding a new one. At times like this, most of the public are baffled by the fractious way our politicians behave. We do not need business as usual in the most unusual economic moment of our lifetime.

All too often we do not see our political representatives coming together to tackle problems. Many members of the public are, therefore, angry and/or frustrated by our political approach. The constant partisan rancour often stops politicians from reaching the best solutions for many of our problems.

What we need most, is not more party unity, but more national unity. We, the people of Bermuda, especially our politicians and business leaders, should be about driving civility up and conflict down, and be willing to compromise and build consensus.

We should embrace both Bermudian and non-Bermudian talent, both locally and overseas, in order to secure the best help to overcome the challenges we face.

At times like this, we need a conciliatory tone in our discourse; by not using hurtful language, snide remarks, sarcasm and cynicism just to score political points. These attitudes do nothing towards making ourselves better and/or contribute to the betterment of Bermuda.

My long political and business experiences have taught me that we should take matters or issues seriously, but never take ourselves too seriously. Political differences could make us opponents but should never make us enemies.

After all, we are all dependent on the continued success of Bermuda. Therefore, despite our differences, we should seek to achieve those things that more unite us than divide us. Remember, we are what we do to ourselves.

Politicians and/or Political Parties have a habit of rejecting ideas from opposing politicians and/or members of the public that they did not think of first. Let us use the best ideas no matter where or who they come from, instead of fighting over who gets the credit.

Bermuda is an amazing country. We, as a people, should be very proud of the economic, social and political progress that we have achieved, which makes us, in spite of our size, a preferred world-class destination for tourism, business and permanent residence.

Almost all of the world economists have agreed that this economic down-turn will be of historic proportions.

In order for us to rise to the inevitable challenges, we will have to be unified and exercise a high degree of patience, humility, pluralism, transparency and lessen our reliance on hearsay, gossip and partisanship.

As Senator Edward Kennedy wisely said in a recent speech: "We know the future will outlast all of us, but I believe that all of us will live on in the future we make."

Happy New Year and may God richly bless all of you!