Greetings to you all. For most of us - I hope for most of you - this is a special time of year.

A time away from the office and the e-mail. A time to be with our families and friends. A time, perhaps, for a little quiet reflection on the year that is past, and the year that is to come.

For Judy and me, there's a kaleidoscope of first impressions. The pomp and ceremony of our arrival. The incredible beauty of the island, and the warmth of our reception from everyone. Here at Government House, lizards on the walls, chicks hatching in our bluebird boxes, and tree frogs singing us to sleep. That drenching rainstorm during the Queen's Birthday parade, while you were all sensibly indoors watching on television. Our first Cup Match, wonderful cricket and mussel pies - but not much luck on the Crown and Anchor. Pottering around the harbour on our little boat, enjoying that other dimension of Bermuda, which is found on and below the water.

And beyond all that, the serious part of my work. My in-tray has contained plenty of subjects which are important for Bermuda - British Citizenship; the Boundaries Commission; International Tax issues; contingency planning against terrorism; and much else. And both of us have also tried to welcome lots of people to Government House, and to get out and about as much as possible.

So between us we've visited prisons and police stations, art galleries and gardens, power plants and telephone companies, hospitals and newspapers, nature reserves and housing projects, and many of the international businesses, which are so important to Bermuda. I shall not forget the look of horror on Judy's face as the Fire Service demonstrated its latest extendible ladder with her at the end of it. But neither of us will forget being on the bridge as the Zenith made its way early one summer morning out of Hamilton Harbour and up to St. George's through the town cut.

Many of these engagements we do together, but there is so much do that we also divide our labours. It all takes a bit of planning. And whether it's a party for 1,500 to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee, or 75 new JP's being sworn in one after the other, or the unveiling of a newly acquired painting, it all goes smoothly thanks to the great teamwork behind the scenes here at Government House.

Well, what about our hopes for the year ahead?

You know, I can't put it better than it was put to us by a group of students we met at CedarBridge on our first afternoon in Bermuda. They said they hoped to grow up in a Bermuda at peace with itself, in which all colours and creeds mixed easily without jealousy and rancour.

A Bermuda at peace with itself is a pretty good aspiration at this time of year. We remember, at this season, those from whom we are separated by time or geography. We resolve to put our lives in better order. Let us also resolve to help create a Bermuda in which those young people, indeed every Bermudian, and all our many visitors, will be comfortable.

Judy and I look forward to playing our part in this in 2003. We look forward to meeting many more of you, and to serving Bermuda as best we can. Meanwhile to you and all your families we send our very best wishes for the holiday season, and for a happy and fulfilling New Year.