in Bermuda and as a year to be put behind us; a year from which we should learn lessons and move on. There are major lessons to be learned from the blight caused us by McDonald's; by the John Irving Pearman Affair and by the going of Colin Coxall. Hopefully those issues will be resolved to the benefit of Bermuda in 1998.

Yet despite the trials and tribulations and divisions of the year which is passing, there are very hopeful and very bright signs for 1998.

Firstly the new initiatives in tourism appear to be working and there are real signs of revival. More than that, there is leadership from David Dodwell and every indication that Bermudians are coming together in committees and in their thinking to solve the problems and to adopt a fresh approach to the tourism of the future. Where there was dismay there are now signs of optimism both in individuals and in groups. Bermudians are coming to believe that new tourism is doable.

Troubled CedarBridge is open and working hard and showing signs of managing its growing pains. It holds the key to the future for those Bermudian students who did not or cannot take flight to private education. It is an experiment in social engineering but with time and patience and understanding it will work.

Despite the downturn in tourism, the economy is strong and growing and inflation is mercifully low. If the United States economy holds strong, there is every indication that will continue for Bermuda in 1998. Bermuda and Bermudians enjoy economic success, social stability and are able to enjoy the fruits of their labours like no others. There is opportunity and there are new jobs, better jobs for Bermudians who are today so much better educated, better trained and better prepared.

Talks in London during February may open Britain and Europe to Bermudians as the gateway to enormous opportunities for education, training and employment.

This new year is the time to understand that all Bermudians should and must share in the wealth of Bermuda. We must work to be certain that we care for and about those who are without, those who are excluded, in this land of plenty. There must be no more room for poverty and deprivation and homelessness in our opulent society.

Thanks to the Colin Coxall years, crime is down and there has been real movement against drugs and those who profit from drugs. Bermuda has also become much more sensitive to the need for drug treatment. That is as Bermudians want it to be and it must continue.

There are real signs that younger Bermudians want to give up confrontation, acrimony and devisiveness and that they understand that the future does not lie in dwelling on the past but in unity and togetherness. We all have to be, first and foremost, Bermudians.

With care and concern and togetherness Bermudians can produce a 1998 which will take the high road toward the new century. The old order is passing and 1998 is the year to prepare a future for the children and the grand-children.