No, dear readers, I didn’t miss it. We have a new news sheriff in town and I appreciate that I am now writing to a new Editor (pictured).

First, my congratulations, Mr Editor: the first black Editor of The Royal Gazette after centuries of publication. It is truly a historic first for Bermuda, and for the newspaper and for all of its readers. Title this one Mr Smith Comes To Par-la-Ville, a modern, local twist, if you will, on that classic movie, Mr Smith Goes To Washington.

Secondly, my commiserations: that is some weight that now rests on your shoulders — and I say this as a former journalist, and former Editor (of The Bermuda Sun), who has some idea of what you have taken on.

The job can be lonely and thankless at times. Reporting the news can be like that. As someone who once held the seat, explained to me: journalism has to be one of the few vocations where the pleasure you can take in doing a good job can so often mean having displeased everyone equally but fairly. I know you know the challenges ahead. The Royal Gazette is now the only newspaper, and the only news organisation, as far as I can tell, with the resources to report the news more thoroughly than most, to get behind and beyond the headlines on the issues of the day. At the same time, the newspaper, like so many others throughout the world, is at a crossroads as consumers pass from the print to digital age. Few survive when they are unable to pay their way.

My best wishes on both fronts — JB.

PS: A final word or two to your predecessor, Tim — thank you.