recognises that there are people in this opulent society who are still hurting despite Bermuda's wealth and who feel left out of Bermuda's huge success. We have said before in this column that given Bermuda's wealth and the success of the economy there should be no place for deprivation of anyone.

The Premier has demonstrated her understanding of that fact and has restructured the entire governing process to meet the needs of the people. She is quoted as saying, "Many people don't feel they can fit into Bermuda -- that there are no opportunities for them in Bermuda. They believe that Bermuda is being taken over by outsiders.'' As we see it, some Bermudians are bound to feel left out of the process when you have an economy which is gradually changing from one based on tourism to one dominated by the high talent demands of sophisticated international business. Bermuda is in a period of transition and that very transition, while is probably good for Bermuda in the long-run, will cause disruption while it is taking place.

The Cabinet changes are designed to minimise the pain caused to Bermudians in the short-term and to assure the people that they can and will be helped.

As Premier Gordon has said very aptly, "This Country is still theirs for the taking and we will provide easier access for them to start up.'' She is focusing on jobs and progress to the top in those jobs. The self-respect of the people, the family and housing are high on the list.

Clearly the Government has little cause to worry about the prosperous section of Bermuda which, with the exception of retail trade, is secure. She has taken a year to listen to the electorate and to respond to their needs. The basic thrust of the new Cabinet will be to allow all the people to reach their full potential.

The task is not an easy one and it may be that the Premier does not have the time before a General Election for she and her Cabinet to get the job done.

However the fact remains that she has identified the problems very well and is devoted to solutions.

In essence this is a swing by the UBP away from a centre position with an emphasis on a healthy economy and a well run Country to a much more liberal people oriented stance. Give the people every opportunity to succeed and encourage them to seize that opportunity.

Clearly there was thinking that the changes would give the UBP a jump start toward the General Election. The Premier is very popular and the changes certainly say that this is a Pamela Gordon government. Will the new look and the people approach make a difference to public thinking? It's hard to tell this early but it is clear that if the UBP hopes to win again it needs all the help it can get.