EDNESDAY'S front page of was an interesting reflection of this island and how it operates.A quick roundup: Tourism officials were praised for doing the work they should be doing. Riddell's Bay Golf and Country Club and the Fairmont Southampton Princess announced a new partnership only months after the hotel declared its intent, much to the anger of some residents, to reduce the size of its on-site course.

And then there was Senator David Burch, whose exploits spanned three separate stories - "Burch 'out of order'", "Commission rules on radio slur" and finally, "End Conflict with Auditor General, union boss urges Government".

Such easy pickings. Such a lack of Opposition and public interest.

It's a shame.

Last week, Progressive Labour Party backbencher Ren?e Webb urged the public to speak out, to get involved in politics and stop relying on the "weak" members of the House of Assembly to do anything.

The former Tourism Minister delivered her message last Sunday, at the Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge open-mic session at Champions nightclub.

"No matter what you think of politicians ? and I happen to think this is the weakest House we have ever had ? you have to get involved," she was reported as saying by the daily. "This House is weak because people let it be weak. Do you know I rarely get a phone call or e-mail from people or constituents? The public needs to speak up. Sometimes I felt I was a voice in the wilderness."

The always-outspoken Ms Webb continued: "You have to speak up. You cannot allow your rights to be trampled on. Stop relying on Members of Parliament to do something, get out there. We are all responsible for what is happening in this country."

I couldn't agree more. The problem is most people don't know what is happening in this country.

As unlikely as it seems at the moment, we're probably sooner to see Ms Webb's MP-rejected vision ? legislation against discrimination based on sexual orientation ? before we see any great interest taken in politics by the majority of this island and even longer before the majority of residents feel comfortable expressing their views publicly. As an example, consider the vast number of Letters to the Editor that are printed using pseudonyms on a daily basis.

A few years ago, in the wake of the Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC) scandal and the eventual police ruling of the actions of those involved as "unethical but not illegal", I conducted a vox pop on the streets of the City of Hamilton in search of our residents' opinions on the matter.

The photographer who accompanied me warned me early on: "Don't expect too much. Most people don't care. You journalists are so involved in this. Bermuda isn't."

I was certain the photographer was wrong. How could any adult not be aware of such a huge political scandal within their community? Especially when you're talking about a community the size of ours.

I should have listened to my much savvier colleague.

Many people didn't know what I was talking about. Of those who did, some were willing to give an opinion, but wouldn't allow their photograph to be taken. Others were happy to express their views, but refused to give their names or allow their picture to be taken. Others were quite happy to give an honest and frank opinion ? they didn't care.

And who could blame them?

Historically, the political arena was a place for two distinct types ? the downtrodden members of society who realised the only way to effect change was to do so themselves and the privileged, for whom such contributions enabled greater power and influence.

Today those people have to deal with issues like childcare and rent. They worry about work permits ? for themselves, their staff and their neighbours. Some have to work two or three jobs. They have to time to play. They have to be able to pay a mortgage and set aside money on top of that for private education. Their concerns are limited to their friends and families, to buying a bigger boat, bigger house, a bigger car.

The fact is, that many don't read the Bermuda newspapers or listen to the local television news simply because it's a luxury that society doesn't afford a growing portion of our over-worked community. For the same reason, they don't become involved in protests and marches unless they are directly affected by the issue because there is simply not enough time in the day.

A good portion of our community is playing catch-up. It's unfortunate, but our sudden transformation into "the land of opportunity" did not partner a similar development in our educational and social systems.