acrimony over a variety of important but unsettling subjects, ranging from race to Independence, we are losing both our civility and our hopes for the future. Whatever Bermuda was in the past and whatever its future, we have always had a courtesy and a greeting and a sense of decency toward fellow Bermudians.

We need to work on a structure where, no matter what our views and no matter how great our conflicts, we respect one another as Bermudians. This may seem simplistic, but it is basic to our sense of Country and our sense of belonging. If we do not belong, if we are not in the Bermudian fold, if we are looked down upon for this or that, then we are alienated. Alienation from your own roots is destined to cause problems.

There is an old African phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child''. It takes an entire community to deal with a community's problems and it takes a structure where people have respect for one another, no matter what their conflicts.

We need in Bermuda to honour diversity. Far too often groups shun other groups as not to their taste. But Bermudians also do that with individuals.

This is a community of intolerance and harsh judgments. Very little freedom of self is allowed and very little variation in lifestyle. Sometimes that comes from the conflicts of small island living but too often it demonstrates prejudice.

We need respect for one another and to extend that respect to our neighbourhoods. We need to make our neighbourhoods safe from crime and violence and drugs so that our families are safe. We need respect for the family and recognition for the needs of the family whether or not that family has one parent or two parents. We need political diversity without political conflict. We need an environment where people can express themselves without fear of reprisal and regardless of their capability.

Freedom from conflict and a concentration on the welfare and well being of the people is what makes a better society. We must recognise that we need a new resolution to face our problems as a community. We know the problems.

Racism. Young people in trouble. Drug abuse. Alcoholism. Violence in the home.

Crime in the streets. Schools which need policing. Children having children.

Rampant adultery.

We have had enough warnings. In many ways we are a fortunate Country because our warnings have come earlier than they have in most places. Now we must heed the wake-up call.