Bermuda has a golden opportunity to show the world that despite many challenges, including overcoming the coronavirus pandemic, pulling together for the good of the country is far more important than which political flag Is flying as the authority in running the country’s affairs.

Trying to get politicians to see eye-to-eye on sensitive issues will always be a troubling factor because too often in the heat of the moment decisions are taken with focus more on the political aspect rather than how it will affect all of the people. A global issue.

It should always be remembered that political parties in any democracy, while being mindful of maintaining support from their faithful supporters, are also fully aware that unless they are able to reach those who express reservations about various policies, the democracy that put them in office could also be used to switch leadership through the ballot box.

Bermuda is in no mood for political antics, a normal part of the democratic process, at a time when our economy has taken a heavy hit from the coronavirus, with many companies doing everything possible to stay alive in the interest of trying to get the job aspect rolling again. The situation would be challenging for any government, and that puts them in the hot seat for tough decisions.

Most Bermudians are expecting nothing short of what is best for the people, and they place that priority above politics. Getting vaccinated to protect community health should never be an issue, with world health experts collectively citing vaccinations as vital in halting spread of the disease.

The leader of one country in the Middle East even considered arresting those who refused to be vaccinated. Difficult times.

Bermuda will face a bumpy road ahead because no decision will please everyone, and just as in larger countries, there will be those who turn a blind eye to anything offered by political opponents. That, too, is a part of democracy.

However, someone drowning will not be happy over an argument on shore over which rope to use in attempting a rescue. The logic is clear: unless we are willing to work together as an island community in solving critical problems, we will be only setting up roadblocks for ourselves. Divisiveness allowed to drift out of control is the ingredient for social disorder, the first steps in weakening democracy anywhere.

Over the years, Bermuda has been able to tackle political storms and, I might add, storms from the forces of nature. Getting through them meant no matter how challenging, success involved pushing differences aside to help each other.

Bermuda can be a shining example for the world. Much depends on our community spirit that helped us to achieve what we have today. Further success will depend on co-operation from every citizen, and we all know what a challenge that can be.

No government can do everything, and neither can the police, in trying to make Bermuda the safe island most Bermudians want. Things will improve only when every Bermudian realises that everyone must be a part of a team effort. Every country has laws designed mainly to protect society. Courts exist to ensure that no one should be above the law — a key part of any democratic society.

Words from an astronaut spoken after the recent space accomplishment of Sir Richard Branson: “In space, race or ethnicity mean nothing.”

He emphasised that working together as a family in space was the highest priority because looking after one another would be the only route to success. Sound advice for not just outer space, but communities worldwide.

Bermuda has a history of surviving all types of storms, so let’s show the world how it is done. We can do it only If we work together as a team.