Many countries across the globe are engaged in bitter struggles with countless lives lost daily, in the never ending quest for justice and fair play from those in positions of power.It is a stunning reality after two great wars and numerous conflicts that continue to turn parts of our planet into fields of human suffering and brutal oppression. Mankind still has great difficulty in learning how to share this world and all its amenities.It is incredible that there is sufficient food on the earth to feed all, yet every minute someone dies of starvation. While science has placed men on the moon, the problem of starvation remains a crucial concern for various organisations seeking to reach the desperate. Despite progress, much more needs to be done to avoid thousands more perishing due to lack of food.A contributing factor to this nightmare is ongoing military conflicts between various groups over land disputes, and in some cases pure hatred over ethnic or religious persuasions. For large countries where millions are caught up in violent clashes, finding solutions is a never ending challenge. It often boils down to power and greed. Values such honesty, integrity, and respect for one another, are simply swept aside.It is a shame that Bermuda with its small, diverse population, cannot be a guide post for the rest of the world, in demonstrating that cooperation not confrontation is the way to solve complex problems.As a new Government begins to get its footing it will be faced with numerous challenges, including criticism not only from the Opposition Progressive Labour Party, but also from people who simply want what is best for Bermuda at a time when there is little room for mistakes. The irony is that the best of Governments do make mistakes. Acknowledging them openly tends to create confidence and credibility and also keeps transparency alive.The free press remains the watchdog on all matters for people, who should never be kept in the dark no matter how sensitive the issue. In the political arena, things can get quite nasty especially after our recent election which shuffled the incumbent Government offstage. The politically wounded are not easily healed.The slightest matter of concern can be exploited to the fullest and that is an accepted part of the democratic process. The OBA must be vigilant in remaining focused on objectives, but they also must never appear to be reluctant in keeping the public informed whenever there are pertinent questions that need clarification.As mentioned earlier, the press has the dubious duty of seeking answers in order to uphold the true meaning of journalism which is to inform professionally without favour. It is a significant responsibility, since at no time will everyone be pleased.Recent allegations that a Government Minister lied about credentials is unavoidably a matter of extreme concern. If the allegations are proved false, than the accuser may have self inflicted irreparable damage to credibility. On the other hand if the Minister in question fell short in how the credentials were presented, it could leave questions of competency floating about. Not a good thing for any administration. The public simply wants the truth.With the number of critical issues facing Bermuda including crime, there is little time to be engrossed in bitter political fighting for the sake gaining political points, when we have the public begging for a more co-operative approach to problems that need urgent attention. No airline could operate successfully with fighting in the cockpit. A lesson from that is to ensure that only the fully qualified are placed in highly responsible positions.Everyone knows when a ship is caught in a storm the ‘them and us’ syndrome is tossed overboard. It becomes the storm and us. Bermuda needs to examine itself carefully as we attempt to stem the tide of violent crime, struggling elderly, job losses and a growing lack of respect for each other.The One Bermuda Alliance is the new Government and most people want to feel comfortable that no effort will be spared in protecting good values while keeping transparency alive. That should be their unshakeable destiny.