Bermuda has a window of opportunity to pool our best resources in trying to take advantage of the moment, with a fresh effort to revitalise the economy and also to put a spark in the area of jobs to at least begin the long climb to a more vibrant infrastructure that would be felt throughout every section of our communities.

Windows of opportunity can open and close, and depending on what is done when it opens, determines whether success or failure will be the outcome. Failure is certainly not an option here.

To seize the moment, and get the most out of it, there must be honest and frank discussions between opposing political groups, and at the moment the virus of divisiveness seems to have the upper hand in the political arena, with little sign of a cure.

This opportunity window is not for the Government, the Opposition PLP, or any other activists group. It is there for the Bermudian people who want to move the Island towards a more solid economic footing, while still preserving the values that have brought us this far.

Many Bermudians are struggling in a daily challenge to keep their heads above the pressures of stormy economic waves that keep rolling in like the South Shore seas before a big blow. These people want to see and feel a difference in the present state of affairs, and at the moment the America’s Cup has the potential to offer promise for a badly needed boost.

That some people are sceptical as to whether this event will benefit the Island on a whole could mean that more ways to reach the entire community should be sought to better inform the public about what is happening. Well-informed people are always more comfortable with whatever is taking place.

World exposure for this classic sailing event went up a notch, with China also showing signs of wanting to participate. We could never afford promotion on that scale.

Because of the size of our island, there is much to think about in a changing world, where concerns for safety are a matter for people on every part of this planet. There are other factors of concern as officials here try to strike a balance between progress and sustaining the Bermuda most of us have grown to love.

That is why it is important that co-operation between political camps reach higher levels in dealing with what could be a delicate time for exercising reason and common sense. There will be differences of opinion, and that is only natural. What the people do not want is constant squabbling over who knows best about what, usually based on party allegiance. When this happens, the people know their interest is second to political objectives.

This window of opportunity, used to its fullest potential, will hopefully inject a breath of fresh air in a somewhat stagnant economy and perhaps open doors to tackle problems that continue to challenge Bermuda, with or without the America’s Cup.

Rising health cost for families is causing some to really scramble and these are not easy problems to solve, especially since some government health services have been curtailed as a result of staff shortages. There is still too much speeding on our roads for the size of this island and, despite plea after plea to slow down, the trend continues.

This is not a time to point fingers or seek excuses for unruly behaviour by so many young people. Many highly successful Bermudians had to navigate extremely tough times, without the many opportunities that exist today. Their success was through being well grounded in principles such as honesty, respect and commitment to values that build.

Illegal drug activity and violent crime continue to keep many Bermudians uneasy, and a greater focus will be needed to curb behaviour that even threatens the next generation. We can do much better and we should with improved co-operation.

Exposure from the America’s Cup can only help in rebuilding this Island so that it will be a joy for those who live here and for those who visit our beautiful shores.

That is the success story most Bermudians are hoping for.