In a televised address last night, Premier Jennifer Smith issued a call for national unity and solidarity, challenging every Bermudian and non-Bermudian to "look within" and pledge to support the country.

"As we navigate the turbulent waters of the challenging global economic environment, I urge every Bermudian, every resident, every stakeholder to look within and make a personal pledge to support Bermuda," the Premier said.

"Whatever the challenges we face we will continue to progress and to prosper if we work together in support of our country. We have seen the power that unity brings. Once we all pledge to work together for the good of Bermuda, Bermuda's great potential and our aspirations for all who live and work here will be without boundaries. Bermuda needs all of us now, more than ever before."

During the 12 minute speech, she plugged Finance Minister Eugene Cox's recently released Budget, criticised the shadow Tourism Minister and lauded a local luger.

"In this Budget Bermuda comes to terms with the realities of a world affected by the wrenching change following the September 11 terrorist attacks on America," the Premier said on the eve of the Opposition Leader's Budget Reply.

"The unspeakable horror of September 11 has had a profound and enduring impact not only on individual lives but also on the global economic system and on the world financial order. Bermuda, along with other countries of the world has suffered immediate and sustained setbacks on tourism."

"In this context it is astonishing that a former Minister of Tourism in this country and the operator of a premium resort property in Bermuda and in Nevis should publicly declare that September 11 did not contribute to the drop in Bermuda's visitor count and in tourism revenue.

"This is not a time for partisan political agendas to be given precedence over today's global realities and our country's consequential vulnerabilities and problems. Now, more than ever before, is a time for all in our country to pledge a personal contribution to a swift recovery and an early renaissance in Bermuda's vital tourism business."

Both United Bermuda Party leader Grant Gibbons, and shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell said they were too focused on today's Budget Reply to respond immediately to Ms Smith's comments.

Ms Smith described the Budget as an "economic blueprint with a human face" and a "platform for prosperity".

In calling for national solidarity, she said the reaction of the American people and the support the world gave to the United States in the war against terrorism, had set a good example for Bermuda.

And she also held up Olympic luger Patrick Singleton as one who demonstrated national pride at the opening parade of last week's Winter Olympics in Utah.

"Bermuda needs, in fact, more examples like the one set by sportsman Patrick Singleton at last Friday's Winter Olympic Games' opening ceremony in Salt Lake City, Utah," she said.

"Although alone in the freezing temperatures of that mountaintop city, he proudly carried the Bermuda flag in the opening parade of athletes, wearing Bermuda shorts and long socks. Patrick Singleton's outstanding example of national pride caught the imagination of the world and his example should be an inspiration to every citizen, every resident and every stakeholder."

She said Bermuda's success in the international business arena was evidence that the country was well managed.

The challenge now, she said, is to" translate our natural assets and our individual and collective enterprise into a similar success story for tourism."

"We need the support of all of the players in tourism including members of the Opposition in order to effect a turnaround and an enduring renaissance in Bermuda's tourism," the Premier continued.

"In boating terms, now is the time for all hands on deck. Now is the time for all who live on this Island to play a part in providing the solutions."