competitors on the up''...Both on the same page on the same day.

The Canadian warning to visitors may be the first ever and, thankfully, it is a very mild warning. The advisory does not tell people to stay away, which it could do, but it does advise Canadians to take precautions. None the less, it is there and it is embarrassing for all Bermudians.

It was interesting to us, and should be of interest to all Bermudians, that the Ministry of Tourism could not respond to the advisory because Minister David Dodwell was abroad. It is very important in this kind of public situation to have a positive response, and quickly. We have to wonder why the Ministry could not respond.

It is after all in reply to Canadian concern over the murder of Rebecca Middleton and the attack on three Canadians, one a Senator, and the sexual assault on the woman of the three. Both crimes received a great deal of publicity in Canada, especially eastern Canada, and it is no surprise that Canadians would be concerned. There will be a great deal more publicity when the trials begin and the details are known.

Had such a warning been issued in America, our major tourist catchment area, the result might be catastrophic. We all have to remember that it can happen.

No-one needs to travel anywhere to be assaulted.

Bermudians must learn to be unified in moving against crime and criminals.

Once again this week Shadow Home Affairs Minister Alex Scott denigrated the efforts of the Police Service and, in so doing, we think he provides comfort for criminals.

The second headline indicates just how difficult the tourism picture really is and how much work it is going to take for Bermuda to get back on top. Two of our major competitors, Barbados and the Bahamas, are reporting increased arrivals and higher hotel revenues and occupancy rates. In Bermuda, people will excuse their success in the face of Bermuda's decline by telling you that visitors want warm weather for winter escapes. There is some truth in that, both places have better winter weather than Bermuda, but both are expensive, especially Barbados. Bermudians say the tourist decline can be blamed on the fact that Bermuda is too expensive but Barbados is more expensive and it grows.

What Bermuda needs to know is what visitors want and then it needs to provide what they want. Right now we are in "desperation mode'' trying to overlay sex and sin on a staid Island which is not going to provide a sex and sin ambience.

As Pink Beach's W.A. (Toppy) Cowen has said: "We must now ask ourselves, is the Let Yourself Go campaign working?''