T he recent vote of no confidence against the Premier and subsequently the Government, which failed, has without a doubt left political bits and pieces on the floor and more than a few wounds.

The aftermath of this almost bizarre political incident shrouded with international connotations has left a trail of questions and a troubled Bermuda society, still pondering the long range fall out.

However history records this, an inescapable truth is that irrespective of one's position, when basic rules are bypassed for whatever purpose, it calls into question the value system for operating with honesty and integrity. When any Government falls beneath those standards, trust becomes a casualty.

The episode of the four Chinese brought to Bermuda from Guantanamo without top Government officials and the people of Bermuda knowing anything before they actually set foot on our soil created one of the largest political explosions ever seen here. By now tempers are beginning to cool, but the dark clouds of bewilderment still hang over our shores.

It is refreshing to hear so many state the four men are not the issue, and no bitterness is directed toward them. That must be made very clear. However, although the Premier has apologised for causing a tidal wave of anger from practically every section of our community, it has not healed the discontent, and what some have described as a gross political deception by the Government leader.

No matter what type of fancy spin is put on why such a move had to be shrouded in secrecy, the bottom line remains that stepping over our Constitution, and the British Government, is crossing the diplomatic line big time. We still are a British colony.

So the big question is, what's next? How do we pick up the pieces and move forward without dragging bitterness and hatred between opposing political groups. No quick answers here. One thing seems certain, there can be no progress without the truth being placed on the table. That in itself raises even more questions. Was there some type of deal worked out with the United States Government, and if not, how on earth did we become involved? The mere fact that the Premier ignored the British Government and negotiated with the United States on this arrangement heavily charged with international ramifications is beyond comprehension. We are not an American state.

Trying to rebuild trust in the wake of this emotional firestorm will not be easy. There were no winners after the vote of no confidence was taken, because confidence is achieved by clear demonstrations of trust and a willingness to operate with transparency in dealing with the peoples business.

At the moment both sides need to cool things down without backing away from the democratic right to differ. The office of the Premier must be respected and any criticism should be directed at policies rather than the person holding that job. In our closely knit community, too often bitterness and anger can become stumbling blocks to improving our society.

Those who support the Premier Dr. Ewart Brown should be mindful that he is only human, and as such, makes mistakes. Those who resent his style of leadership must be also mindful that the most constructive stance is continuing to make their views known in a respectful manner, with the knowledge that the ballot box is still the democratic instrument for change.

One thing came out of the recent demonstrations held to protest the Premier remaining in office; in any type of rally, usually a few people stray from principles, and make remarks not conducive to further healing of race relations. That is to be regretted. Despite this, blacks and whites were observed jointly standing together for what they believed in. That in itself was healthy and good for Bermuda. What's that old saying? Never an ill wind ... Hopefully this entire incident will not pass without a full examination, to avoid anything similar happening in the future.

For the moment, our leaders need to put their swords away, and buckle down to the business of serving the people. The people really have spoken on this issue, and I believe the Government has heard them. Should they fail to heed the cries for a more transparent and honest approach to our problems, they would be leaving the door open for whatever. Those of us who love Bermuda know we can do better, and we must.