Governor Sir John Vereker urged Bermuda to embrace diversity as it works to heal the scars of racial division as he made his formal goodbyes to the Island last night.

Speaking outside the Cabinet Office and surrounded by a host of dignitaries including Premier Ewart Brown, Sir John said: "The Bermuda we have known for the last five years has not always been at ease with itself.

"The scars of Bermuda's social history are not yet all healed. Even in this small island, the sense of common purpose is not yet universal.

"But small can, and must, embrace diversity.

"All the colours of the rainbow manage to live together in harmony in a single drop of dew."

An official parade led by the Bermuda Regiment Band and Corps of Drums through Hamilton marked the end of Sir John's tenure in Bermuda.

He and his wife Lady Vereker arrived at Cabinet in a horse-drawn carriage to receive a seconds-long goodbye from Dr. Brown.

The Premier, who supports independence and recently had a public spat with Sir John, simply said: "I would like to express our gratitude for all the things that you did that benefited the people of this country.

"Also, on behalf of the Government and the people of Bermuda, I would like to wish you well in all your future endeavours and wish you God speed."

Sir John, wearing the Governor's traditional plumed hat, then talked of his hope that all the nationalities and colours that comprise today's Bermuda could live together in harmony — if the Island managed its affairs carefully.

He added: "That would be an example that would know no boundaries, an achievement that would have no limits. It would be, in William Blake's words, to hold infinity in the palm of our hands. If that cannot be here, in Bermuda, then where?"

And Sir John, who will be replaced at Government House in December by Sir Richard Gozney, said more needed to be done to spread Bermuda's wealth. He said: "Yes, we have worked hard for Bermuda, but it has been worth it, because Bermuda is worth it. It is worth it because of what has been achieved here already, and of what more can be achieved in the future.

"Bermuda is now one of the richest places in the world, and it is becoming steadily richer.

"It remains now to ensure that all on this island can share in that prosperity. It remains to enrich Bermuda as a society, rather than Bermudians as individuals."

He said a rich society values strong institutions, invests effectively in education, preserves its unique environment and protects its reputation as a business centre.

"A rich society provides a structure for young people that engages them rather than excludes them; and steers them away from drugs and criminality. A rich society holds this island, its institutions and its assets in trust for its children and grandchildren.

"I know, Hon Premier, that your Government is committed to these ideals. I have spared no effort, and I believe my successor will spare no effort, in supporting you in achieving them, not only for yourselves but also for future generations."

Sir John has worked with three Premiers and has had public disagreements with two of them. He clashed with Alex Scott over the decision to appoint Englishman Richard Ground, who was present at the farewell ceremony, instead of naturalised Bermudian Norma-Wade Miller as Chief Justice.

Dr. Brown threatened to suspend relations with the Governor earlier this year after accusing Sir John of not doing enough to stop Police files on the Bermuda Housing Corporation from being leaked.

Sir John said he had valued his relationships with all three leaders. Last night, there was a hug for him and his wife Lady Vereker from Dame Jennifer Smith — Bermuda's first Progressive Labour Party Premier. Sir John told the guests outside Cabinet and spectators gathered on Front Street: "I have learned much from them, and I have appreciated their willingness, in the privacy of my office, to share and receive confidences, to listen to what I have had to say, and to put Bermuda first when making difficult choices."

The Premier smiled only once during Sir John's speech, when the departing Governor talked of the "inherently awkward relationship that the Constitution has defined for us" and which he said neither of them would have chosen.

"But we have made it work," added Sir John. "And we have shown that with goodwill and open collaboration on all sides, it can work well.

"I have enjoyed, too, working with Cabinet Ministers and their senior officials. I do not seek, nor do I claim, the credit for the productive business that is done between us. It has often been unsung, but there has been much of it."

For full report and video of Sir John's farewell go to www.theroyalgazette.com