The average Bermudian, black or white, who truly loves this country is far from happy over a lack of transparency and an unwillingness by the current Government to come clean on major issues of the day, even if it means in some cases admitting crucial errors of judgment.

Most Bermudians do not walk around every day with bitterness and anger in their hearts over wrongs of the past, although they are not unmindful of the impact that these wrongs have had on how we live together as one people today.

Without a doubt there are divisions throughout the community, spurred by too many who see only what they want to see, when it comes to political and racial differences, and these negative attitudes stifle efforts to open doors for fresh approaches to old problems.

Even the role of the free press must be stepped up to be that voice of those seeking answers to important questions. What we seem to have at the moment, is a cat and mouse game of sound bites, aimed at protecting political images.

Adding to the problem is the Opposition not being the powerhouse it should be in keeping the Government on its toes. Perhaps they haven't had enough time at it. The Progressive Labour Party during their long spell as the Opposition, endured many political storms before gaining sufficient support to move into the driver's seat.

The United Bermuda Party somehow over the years allowed complacency to take root, misread the electoral mood in changing times, and this proved costly at the polls.

Despite continued political conflict, and constant bickering, both groups have contributed in different ways to improving Bermuda. However both have allowed negative attitudes to live a little too long. Now, people are demanding better standards, especially in being transparent and honest in doing the people's business.

As long as there are questions left hanging like dark clouds, there will also be shadows of mistrust with authorities of the day. While there are other issues such as spiraling violence, illegal drugs and crime, it is difficult to sweep under the carpet the method used to bring the four detainees from Guantanamo to Bermuda. Again, the four men in question are not the issue. What most Bermudians are having a hard time swallowing is how Government became involved in the first place. Did the Premier alone decide he wanted to help these four men, no matter who said what? This has left many wondering what could have initiated the process , since we are not an independent country, with full international capability.

An even bigger question is, if the Government leader negotiated with the United States over accepting these men, a move the British Government stated was out of our diplomatic jurisdiction, what terms did both sides agree on. If there were no terms in the deal, then what was the motivation in taking action, surely knowing it would unleash fury throughout our community, including political officials on both sides.

The Bermudian people are entitled to answers, rather than PR people on both sides simply taking pot shots at each other to gain a political advantage. It really boils down to a matter of trust. People want to be able to trust their leaders which is not too much to expect.

The Government of the day must abandon its anti-media stance, and openly discourage attempts to demean people who voice disapproval of certain policies. Surely our democracy provides the opportunity for a cross section of opinions on any issue. At least that should be the order of the day. In fact it is a very healthy Government that invites close scrutiny on matters involving the people they serve.

Bermuda is too small for people to roam about with chips on their shoulders, simply because things might not be going good for one political group or the other. Recently US President Obama stressed how important it is to seek truth ,and encouraged the free press to continue its role of keeping the people informed. Even a top clerical leader in deeply troubled Iran recently called on that Government to allow free expression, in order to create a better atmosphere of tolerance.

Hopefully the Bermuda Government has learned something from recent public outcries and thus are prepared to usher in a period that will rekindle some degree of trust, and also allow anyone to exercise their right to disagree without feeling like a villain or an outcast.

There is sufficient brain power between the Government and the Opposition to improve much in Bermuda, even if it means crossing political lines on crucial issues. The main focus should always be what is best for the people. If there is more transparency and honesty in dealing with the people's affairs, there will be fewer unanswered questions. That really should be our unshakeable destiny.