Most of Bermuda was engulfed in grief with the sudden passing recently of not just an elder stateswoman, but one who was a true champion for those with little or no voice in affairs of the Bermuda they helped to build. She displayed no fear in speaking boldly about various situations that made the golden years of many of our seniors anything but golden.

Although she came under ferocious political fire from opponents, Louise Jackson, OBE, never retreated from attempting to expose weaknesses in our system when it came to doing everything possible to ensure no senior was left in the shadows of despair, or helplessness, because of a lack of proper representation.

It is no secret that Bermudians, especially those from the old school, have a quiet pride and seldom care to share difficulties even when it comes to going without essentials. Although there have been advocates over the years for improving the plight of seniors, Mrs Jackson stood out because she felt strongly that words of good intentions fell far short of addressing day to day problems.

It takes exceptional courage and commitment to remain focused in the political arena where so many decisions revolve around what is popular, and not necessarily what is right. Although sadly her voice is now silent, her message will remain alive and her legacy might very well be standing up for what she truly believed in. The problems facing this Island are not just for Government, or the Opposition, they are huge problems that impact every single Bermudian regardless of professional or social status.

Too many people are silent because they fear a loss of friendship, or that they will be considered out of step with modern lifestyle trends if they express their true feelings. We tend to lose sight of what democracy is all about. As long as views, no matter how strong, are presented with dignity, they should be respected.

Many of our seniors have toiled through life’s storms and have a wealth of knowledge about tackling various situations that might be helpful even in trying to resolve highly sensitive matters in this new year. Experience is still one the greatest teachers in life, but in today’s fast pace that aspect is often overlooked.

Most seniors would quickly acknowledge that things have changed over the years, but even with that extreme care should be taken on matters that involve judgement over preserving proven good values and whether financial gain should be the ultimate high mark. Not an easy call when the Island is in a precarious economic state. Yet in a sense that is what Bermuda is facing.

We may not like to admit it, but Bermuda has become crowded and noisy, and for many seniors a moment of real peace and quiet is very rare. Some of our younger generation could not care less who they disturb, in fact there are adults who fall into that category. We do not need a mountain of words about what should be done. What we need is action from our legislators, that would be implemented fully to prevent the Island community from becoming a free for all when it comes to noise control.

Our limited land space means our environment is threatened when expansion takes place without the utmost consideration for what impact it has on our social infrastructure. Everyone wants a peice of the pie, but with only one pie and so many around the table, sharing is going be a challenge. This new year will be challenging because, in the end, it is not which political party one supports but what values they hold as the highest priority.

There will be heated exchanges in an out of Parliament over how Bermuda should deal with the casino issue and decriminalisation of marijuana. However, many of our seniors deserve equal attention, after all, but for these people we would not have had the success that made our Island special.

Just because many citizens are worn out and tired does not mean they should be ignored. The various groups that go the full mile in helping our seniors need all the support they can get. How we treat our seniors today could be a benchmark for what values we set for generations yet unborn.

Mrs Jackson’s voice has fallen silent, but her message should ring loud and clear for us all.