together to rebuild tourism.

In his quarterly letter to BELCO Holdings Ltd. shareholders, president and CEO Garry Madeiros, urged Bermudians to "take advantage of the clean slate the new year offers to dedicate ourselves to improving Bermuda any way we can. No constructive effort is too small.'' He said many people believed Bermuda was in a crisis, and voices heard in the media made it seem the Island was "a community that enjoys feeding upon itself''.

He said: "We seem to have lost our sense of purpose, and even worse, seem unwilling to change our focus, attitudes and behaviours which have no place in a successful future.'' He cited tourism as an example, noting Bermudians generally accept the reasons given for the decline, but "become defensive when there is constructive criticism''.

Mr. Madeiros said: "We appear unwilling to work together toward a solution. A case in point is the recommendations made by the Monitor group to improve tourism.

"When we hear that we are going to have to make some serious attitude changes, work together to develop long term strategic plans, and be willing to compromise our own position for the greater good, we revert back to our old positions.

"Let 1997 go down as the year of awakening. It is clear Bermuda can no longer rely on the old ways where, irrespective of the changes taking place in the rest of the world, we would somehow stay on top without constructively addressing our own issues.

"We need better planning, credible direction, unwavering commitment and greater community interest and involvement on the part of every individual who has the capacity to contribute.

"I would like to see Bermuda have a common resolution, where creativity replaces criticism, and everyone resolves to become part of the solution. I believe each one of us can make a difference.'' The urgings from the BELCO chief came as the utility declared a 32.5 cent per share dividend for the fourth quarter, an increase of 8.33 percent.

Mr. Madeiros said the lower tourism figures were reflected in the drop in sales to large demand customers.

He said the company would not apply to Government to hike electricity rates in the year ahead.