The Government of the day somehow has created, probably without intention, an undercurrent of mistrust throughout sections of the community.

One wonders what the thinking is when Government acts in a manner that they alone know what is best for Bermuda, and are seen as not being openly receptive to criticism or views outside of their vision.

No Government is perfect, and all of them make mistakes. On the other hand some Government projects have a positive ring to them, and deserve community support. After all, the previous administration made many mistakes and perhaps could have done more to unite the races and promote fair play in the workplace including the corporate area.

Without question they made a contribution in improving certain areas of life for Bermudians, but their long haul at the political helm, undoubtedly created a degree of complacency, and ultimately they paid a price for this at the polls.

The Progressive Labour Party despite its success at the polls, still finds itself trying to move away from the shadow of allegations involving codes of ethics and honesty in matters concerning the people's purse. While no Government official was ever charged before a court, there are unanswered questions still hanging the air.

When Government initiated moves to have the press muzzled in connection with these allegations, alarm bells rang throughout journalism circles and it gave an impression that there must have been something they would rather not have revealed. That may not have been the case, but that certainly was the impression.

A Government should be careful about efforts to stifle the free press, which should always be the watchdog for any decent democratic society. The free press can be a powerful tool for Government as long as they are operating in the bright light of honesty and trust.

Good journalists around the world have lost their lives over the years in trying to uncover truth that some authorities would rather keep from the people. Seeking truth for the good of a free society must remain the key role of the free press, and this right must be protected even though the press will rightly come under fire at times when it falls short, and this happens.

If our society is to survive, good traditional values must not only be protected but must be seen to be protected by those charged with leadership and upholding honesty and transparency. In fact, it raises the question as to whether honesty, trust and integrity are sometimes pushed aside in order to cover wrong doings in high places.

Sadly, racism is an ugly part of Bermuda history and that can never be denied. Much has improved over the years but the struggle continues to eradicate this social evil. If we as a people, black and white, allow ourselves to remain stuck in bitterness and hatred from yesterday's wrongs, we will never be able to embrace with an open mind great opportunities before us today, in order to move forward together. When bottom rail gets on top, if a type of revenge attitude takes root, what often transpires is history repeating itself. Two wrongs have never made a right. Should the Government of the day fail to use its power wisely, for the benefit of all, Bermuda could slip back into a new age of racial division.

Look carefully at Bermuda today. Buildings springing up all over the city, a sign of economic success. However you don't need a masters degree or a doctorate to know beneath the surface of this corporate glitter and power, lie critical social problems that affect Bermudians of all races and all ages. Illegal drug activity continues to erode the quality of life for many families throughout the island and is also a source of much of our crime.

Affordable housing remains a distant dream for many. The education system appears in trouble with no real solution in sight. Senior health care is troubling and has been for years. Many of our seniors actually helped to build this country and yet in their sunset years they struggle as Governments Health Programme ( HIP) falls dreadfully short, to a point where many doctors frown on the disgraceful length of time they must wait to be paid for their services. This, after seeing eleven million dollars easily provided for sport. Surely this can't be good judgment.

Meanwhile, the country appears to be drifting into a confrontational mode as people on various radio talk shows vent their anger on issues of the day. Often when emotions run high commonsense is tossed out of the window making it almost impossible to inject a sense of reason.

Most Bermudians,black and white, want to believe that our Government, be it PLP or UBP, is honest, transparent and accountable in all its dealings with the people's business. That should never be too much to ask of our elected leaders.

Bermuda must rise above the "they and us" mentality in order to face up to sensitive issues that remain a stumbling block to better racial harmony. Government must lead the way in winning trust and credibility within the community. If they are perceived as running the country without too much concern about how people feel about key issues, that would only create further mistrust and fear.

History is packed with leaders who were able to convince people that they were the key to a wonderful life of milk and honey, only to have the people discover too late that the milk and honey was really for them - not the people. Will this be Bermuda's fate? We certainly hope not.

Irrespective of political allegiance, Bermuda needs good leadership, commonsense, clear thinking and honesty, which will only come from working together as one people. The future of Bermuda in a highly competitive world rest with how well we collectively grasp this opportunity while there is still time.