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Breakaway from the negative

The pilot boat St David approaches the Norwegian Breakaway as she makes her first arrival to Bermuda. (Photo by Mark Tatem)

The following comment was posted by Raymond JC Ray on our website story about today’s arrival of the Norwegian Breakaway: “I say this to everyone outside of the Govt/Opposition because they’ve done just about all that anyone can ask of them ... We the people, we lot, the ball is now in our court so let us show the world we haven’t lost our touch when catering to our visitors/guests. Let everyone have a positive story to carry back home and share with their friends and families.”It was then followed up with a comment from Bermy Triangle, which read: “I agree Ray, we need to bring back that old Bermuda charm. Smile, speak and offer assistance as needed. make our visitors feel welcome and want to return over and over again!”Get ready for a tidal wave of tourists today. Two cruise ships — the brand new Breakaway and Celebrity Cruises’ Summit — are both scheduled to arrive at Dockyard disembarking between them almost 7,500 passengers and crew. It’s the largest one-off arrival seen in Bermuda. (Wouldn’t it be nice if we had the same in Hamilton and St George’s.)So what better time to showcase the Island’s God-given gifts: its people. Courtesy, smiles, politeness and a helping hand are all the order of day. It is time to shake off the negativity of the past, it is time to move forward with a positive attitude, and outlook.Of course, this attitude cannot just exist for the time the Breakaway is at Dockyard — as the tourist season begins in earnest, it must continue and grow. There is a sense that perhaps Bermuda is at a crossroads — it can move forward with a fresh purpose, or, it can continue to look back, and mourn for what might have been.One cruise ship does not make a tourist season, but perhaps the first of 22 visits by the world’s newest cruise ship can act as a catalyst for positive change.NahkiIt cannot go by unmentioned. This Saturday Nahki Wells will play his second game at Wembley — an impressive achievement. His Bradford team take on Northampton Town in the League Two play-off final, and it was Nahki’s goals that helped get the team there.He has already scored 25 goals this season, and is rumoured to have been watched by clubs in the leagues above Bradford. Win or lose this Saturday, Nahki is a star in the making, and a great role model for all Bermuda to follow.* Want to let me know what you think about things? Follow me on Twitter — https://twitter.com/jeremydeacon1