Bermuda needs to return to its traditional values of kindness, politeness and courtesy, according to media figure Nell Bassett.

Ms Bassett, who recently returned home from a successful media career in the US, called upon the Island and Government to restore its historical charm - or there could serious repercussions for tourism and the economy.

Speaking to Hamilton Lions Club on Wednesday, she said: "Bermuda has lost its charm. We've got to fix the problem."

Tourists didn't have to come to Bermuda when they could go to these other islands for a far lower price, she said.

"We must make it worth their while. Courtesy, politeness and kindness used to be our motto, but now that courtesy that Bermudians were once so proud of is almost completely lacking."

Telling stories of schoolgirls refusing to give elderly women room to walk on the sidewalks and rude hospital workers directing her "around the corner" into a labyrinth of corners and corridors , Ms Bassett recalled a Bermuda she left 35 years ago.

"Is it hurting the economy?" she said. "Perhaps it is too soon to tell. We must get back the caring pride and courtesy we used to have, we must respect tourism. . . Americans are looking for peace after September 11, we must offer the solace they are looking for."

Ms Bassett has hosted and produced NBC radio programming, and was a major cast member on daytime television dramas such as NBC's `Hidden Faces' and CBS's `Love Is A Many Splendoured Thing'. She also appeared in an Andy Warhol movie.

She has trained corporate executives in the art of public speaking and office decorum, performed years of community service, and has been honoured with membership to the likes of The Coalition of 100 Black Women.

The congeniality, kindness and politeness that set Bermuda and Bermudians apart from other islands and peoples for decades was missing, she said.

Children are not the only culprits in this matter, suggested various Lions members, adding that kids learn by example, therefore politeness and courtesy should start from the top, where it is clearly lacking.

"Kindess... is the true Bermuda way, what we were always proud of, what we stood for and were known for. I ask you to help me get back to what we've lost."