In recent time there has been much fevered discussion about those persons who have lived and worked in these islands for many years, yet without any assured status. They have given of themselves in a host of ways to our society, enriching it by their participation in sporting activities, church life, voluntary work and other social activity. A number have had children who were born here and those children know no other homeland. What is to be done about such persons? Can they stay and on what terms? It is worth noting at the outset that any discussions that involve nationality, work permits, `long term residents', etc. are bound to stir up deep emotions regardless of which side of the fence one may be on at any time.

This is particularly true in an island as small as Bermuda, where things are so easily magnified and exaggerated. There is a need, it seems to me, for there to be more reasonable discussion and much less emotion. It is when we allow ourselves to become too emotional that reason often flies out the window.

I wish only to make some general observations that may help to lessen some of the pain and anger that seems to be prevalent in our homeland at this time.

There is probably nothing new in what I have to say, yet I think some of these things are overlooked or ignored in the heat of debate.

1: The use of the term `long term residents', newly minted, is causing some disturbance in our midst. Yet I would contend that the majority of the residents of these islands, born Bermudians, status Bermudians, etc. are long term residents! In the end it is really only a matter of length of stay! 2: Bermuda will never be able to supply all of her needs in terms of expertise in every field of endeavour, be it in business, education or even the church.

We need the input of foreigners. The key to the success of most countries today lies in the recognition that interdependence is essential. So we ought to be doing everything in our power to ensure that we work together for the common good of all that live here. No one, local or non-local, should ever be made to feel unwanted, undervalued or unwelcomed in any area of our society.

3: We should recognise that we are extremely small and act our size. There is no need for us to develop an inferiority complex, but size does matter. Twenty odd square miles and just over 60,000 people do not amount to much in global terms! Part of our problem has been our exaggerated view of ourselves. We have sometimes thought and acted as if we can do anything any other country can do.

There are limits to what we are capable of doing as a people. As uncomfortable as that may make us feel, yet it is a reality that we should face and get on with the business of living.

4: We need to recognise how fortunate we are to live here in this place with so many advantages: beauty, freedom, political stability and economic prosperity. We live in a world in which many of these things simply do not exist in a great number of countries. It appears that many of us are unaware of our good fortune to live in Bermuda, though she is an imperfect paradise.

All too many of us spend our time complaining about what we do not have, rather then doing something positive to acquire that which we lack.

5: Some view with alarm some of the things that have been said in recent times, especially their racial tone. not I! For it is far better that such views, genuinely felt yet painful to listen to, are expressed than that they go unsaid and lead to bitterness and resentment, and possible social unrest.

It has been our failure to openly and honestly discuss such matters as racism, and to deal with its consequences that has, in part, brought us to the current situation. Such discussion makes many uncomfortable, for dealing with these matters brings to the fore sad and painful memories from the past. We prefer, some of us, to forget those things. It is by not confronting and resolving these issues that makes inevitable the kind of scenes we have witnessed of late. It is good that we have at last begun to deal with our past, for its impact upon our present and future is undeniable. This road may well be difficult to travel along, but walk it we all must, so as to achieve an end that is just and right for all residents of Bermuda.

6: The question of the status of Bermudians needs to be resolved let alone that of non-Bermudians in our midst. Some question: What are we? Dependent territories citizens, what is that? When is the British White Paper on the Dependent Territories going to be given a proper airing for the community at large? This is a matter that is also pertinent to the current discussion about `long term residents'.

7: It seems to me that we have an opportunity to deal with an issue that is of wide ranging importance that has for too long been left unresolved. The Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Ms Paula Cox, is to be congratulated on her courage and determination to bring this matter to a proper conclusion. I trust that it will be a conclusion that will be satisfactory to all of our people. We can, if we have the will to do it, arrive at a solution that is fair to all concerned. This, however, will only be possible if all of us are calm, rational and conciliatory. I have every confidence in the good sense of our people to resolve this matter in a way that will be mutually beneficial to all concerned.