Governor Sir John Vereker yesterday told all Bermudians that the tragedy in South Asia should be a harsh reminder of the Island's own precarious existence.

Sir John paid made his remarks during the swearing in of Bermuda's new Judges at Government House yesterday.

"We in Bermuda have a pretty stable and well-ordered existence," he said.

"Even our hurricane a year ago has left little visible mark. We enjoy unparalleled prosperity and our institutions are strong. This earthquake, the ensuing tidal wave, and the resulting loss of life and terrible suffering, should remind us how fortunate we are," he said.

Sir John went on to say that no one in Bermuda lives more than a few hundred yards from the sea and this makes us all vulnerable to its power.

"So the right response for this community is to give thanks for our own good fortune, to share in the world's grief, to contribute to the world's generosity and to support the global effort to eliminate poverty."

He thanked those on the Island, individuals and organisations, who had already contributed so generously to the relief effort.

"As the survivors embark on the long road to rebuilding their lives, let us always remember that we share this planet with many millions of human beings we are more vulnerable than we can ever imagine to the awesome forces of nature."