In the best of times, politics can be akin to watching paint dry on a wall. In the worst of times, politics can be extremely frustrating and divisive. Over the past few weeks, we have seen the divisive side once again rear its ugly head.

These sorts of extremes lead many persons to wish no part of politics, apart from voting. At times, I am not sure I can blame them for their stance. Then at other times, there are reminders of what politics is truly about.

Recently, I have had the chance to canvass in Warwick Parish; in particular, in the Cedar Hill community. A generally quiet area with close-knit family ties stretching back the better part of almost a century, if not more.

On the southern side, there are breathtaking views of the Khyber Pass/Spice Hill region and the newly renovated PHC Field.

On the northern side, there lie vast and breathtaking views of Bermuda — from Dockyard to Hamilton.

Along the way, one finds loads of well-manicured homes lined with cherry trees and protected on the doorstep by the unique yellow-and-black Warwick worms. Each of these homes are filled with persons who care deeply and passionately for their families and for their community at large; more often than not, with a great sense of pride in their beloved PHC Zebras.

I was fortunate to get welcomed into the homes of quite a few of the residents to listen to their cares and concerns about the community and the island.

The most pressing concerns expressed to me were education, immigration and the proposed airport deal, with almost every resident against the recent proposals put forth by the Bermuda Government.

One colourful resident, in particular, whom I spoke to was Alfred Scott of the Somerset Scott clan.

He laid out in no uncertain terms that he felt the One Bermuda Alliance is taking us down the road of financial servitude to Canada for the next 30 years. His fear was that his great-grandchildren would still be giving their hard-earned funds to a foreign entity long after he was gone.

He passionately proposed to myself and to his neighbour, Collingwood Bean, that as Bermudians, if we decided that we wanted a new airport, we should have a tax created similar to the previous “hospital levy”.

This tax when multiplied by each working person would create enough revenue to not only build the airport, but also to provide funding for its upkeep. For anyone who knows Mr Scott is aware that he is a very articulate man who sticks to his guns. I would encourage you to have a conversation with him because he has much to offer by way of advice.

At the very end of another lane, I came across an elder, who, while more reserved than Mr Scott, had an equal amount of wisdom to share. A well-dressed man who has spent his life as a master carpenter, helping to build a large proportion of the homes and buildings throughout Bermuda.

Ross Tuzo is not only a master carpenter, but he is one of the oldest living Berkeleyites. When I introduced myself to his wife, Gloria Tuzo (née Minors), she stated immediately that she and her husband were in class at Berkeley with my aunt, the late Helen Famous.

They shared a few stories of their Berkeley days and shared some advice on how to make a marriage last for nearly 70 years. Needless to say, as Mrs Tuzo laid it out, Mr Tuzo quietly nodded his head in agreement.

Coming from town, I have found Cedar Hill to be a community filled with love and compassion, where one does not have to lock their doors because the Warwick worms serve as the very best bodyguards. Being embraced by the people of Cedar Hill has reminded me of what public service should truly be about.