In the 20th Century mankind made tremendous progress in improving our material well being. But at the same time, there was massive social dislocation as people and nations sought to settle their differences through confrontation rather than dialogue. The 20th Century was, therefore, in a way a century of war. The 21st Century is the information century. The information age can be characterised by our ability to turn thought into action more easily than ever before. In Bermuda, the dominant challenge of the information age must be the promotion of a prosperity that can be inclusive and can be sustained. In addition, we must make it a century of tolerance, peace, dialogue and transparency.

Never before in human history has the individual been so empowered. Individual empowerment transcends all traditional boundaries such as geographic, religious, political, cultural, racial, gender and so on. Information technology and specifically the Internet have not only revolutionised the way in which we communicate, but also more importantly with whom we communicate and the ideas we express. This individual empowerment must be used to enhance education, mutual understanding, respect and justice. Intimidation, coercion, fear and vindictiveness must play little or no part in this new information age. The opportunities for the individual to make a difference, in this information age, have never been greater.

In Bermuda we must use this information age to augment and expand democracy and to educate Bermudians so that they can fully participate in all aspects of community life. This education that empowers the individual will make Governments move from symbolism and pageantry to sensible and pragmatic governing. Democratic governments will have to produce what they promise.

The 21st Century will be one of extraordinary opportunities and equivalent dangers that will test the character of Bermudians like never before. The character of Bermudians, of those who lead us and those who interpret public affairs for us, is the foundation of Bermudian democracy. Democracy is an ongoing moral experiment in a people's capacity to govern themselves. Every now and then there are defects in the foundation of our democracy. This individual empowerment has as its challenge the responsibility to amend these defects to ensure the inalienable rights of the individual. These rights do not derive from governments and is not granted by governments. These rights are enshrined in our constitution and the laws of Bermuda, for which the government has a special responsibility to respect and protect. These rights must not only apply to Bermudians but to anyone allowed into Bermuda under Bermuda law.

This new individual empowerment and information technology must be the catalyst to keep our institutions current and to be able to respond more quickly to our individual and collective concerns. Bermudians must use this information age to encourage and promote the acceptance of our diversity.

Divisions that separate us in this country cause so much hurt and pain and sometimes fear. In this information age we must thrive even harder to strengthen peace, harmony and tranquillity, because intolerance and the breakdown of civility undermine the very fabric of our democracy thus eroding our rights and freedom. In this information age we must use our individual empowerment to help to achieve a better Bermuda in which we can truly be a model for future generations and the world at large.