There are those who would like to paint a narrative that Bermudians are lazy, are non-performers and constantly are seeking handouts. Then there are those who buy into that false narrative.

By buying into that narrative, then they see Bermudians as not even worthy of hiring or promoting.

Even worse is when Bermudians themselves buy into that negative narrative and feel as if they should aspire to, at their very best, being nothing more than jobseekers.

Yes, that negative and false narrative exists and has existed for centuries about Bermudians. It has wreaked havoc on our psyche and our communities’ economic momentum for untold thousands of the best and brightest of our people.

So much so, that our best and brightest returning from university fully armed with one or more degrees tend to find out that there are little to no jobs available to them in their chosen field of profession. This then leads to an almost endless cycle of employment frustration and economic stagnation for yet another generation.

What are we to do as individuals and as a community to change that narrative and the subsequent results?

Well, first of all, we have to recognise that those sorts of narratives are destructive to our present and our future wellbeing, and that we should reject them outright.

Second, we must do whatever we can to cultivate a mindset that encourages, or should I say demands, that we foster environments that not only provide for Bermudians to start their own businesses, but more importantly we need to have a community mindset that we as Bermudians will continue to support our own who open businesses.

Not just support them with our money, but more importantly with our advice and moral support. If there is a challenge with their goods or services, do not run to social media to complain. Go to them first and foremost to see if the problem can be rectified.

Likewise, we should expect them to do their part to support the community in whatever ways they can, whether it be by providing mentorship to upcoming business owners, gift certificates to local organisations or discounts to seniors. These are ways that local businesses ensure that they are not just gaining from the community, but also giving back to the community.

So today I would like to take a moment to salute all of those who are taking a leap of faith to start their own enterprises.

Over the past five years there have been a few new business entities that have been created by three Bermudian women who have refused to allow obstacles to hold them back from their individual and collective goals.

They have taken their dreams and manifested them into reality — one step at a time. Cultivating a climate of looking out for their clients’ best interests while simultaneously doing their part to assist the community in whatever way they can. Additionally, they have taken the time to assist each other along the way without petty bickering or backstabbing.

I had a rare moment of capturing them in one spot last weekend. Not only were they there giving each other business tips, but they were at the business of another Bermudian woman, supporting her.

Thank you Carla Zuill, Gnica Brangman and Maxine Simms-Famous for continuing to lead by example.