A new session of Parliament was convened last week with Bermuda's historic 400th Anniversary Year celebrations much in focus. It formally took place with the traditional pomp and military circumstance in the grounds of the Cabinet Office. Units of the Bermuda Regiment led by their band brightened the otherwise overcast day as they smartly took up their positions.

Also gaining considerable attention was Premier Ewart Brown leading his Cabinet in what he says will be his last year as Premier. There were also members of the badly fractured Opposition United Bermuda and their freshly re-elected leader Kim Swan, followed by his leadership rival Bob Richards, along with newly sworn-in Opposition Sen. Suzanne Holshouser. And of course, the still leaderless breakaway newly formed Bermuda Democratic Alliance took their first bow after rendering their former UBP colleagues into similar doldrums that years ago saw the now ruling PLP suddenly plunged into its political perigee.

In any case even before the Governor Sir Richard Gozney uttered a word from the traditional, much touted Throne Speech, the Anglican Bishop, of Bermuda moved to put the new parliamentary session underway on the right foot, solemnly invoking the following prayer:

Almighty God, you have given us this our island home as our heritage.

May we prove ourselves a people mindful of your generosity and glad to do your will.

Bless our country with honest industry, truthful education, and an honourable way of life.

Save us from violence, discord and confusion;

from pride and arrogance;

and from every evil course of action.

Make us who came from many nations a united people.

We remember our sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth and we pray your continual blessing upon her and all who are set in authority under her.

Defend our liberties and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace on this island.

When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful;

and in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail.

We ask this in your name Lord God, Creator, redeemer and sanctifier.

Amen