Over the last 30 or 40 years, Bermuda like many jurisdictions, has experienced significant changes, and not all have been positive. International business without a doubt has played a vital role in our economy, as tourism, once the principle source of income, slowly lost its grip.Countless reasons have been given for the slump in an industry that actually put Bermuda on the map as a unique place in the Atlantic. Our Island became known for its quiet beauty, along with some of the most friendly people on Earth, not to mention beaches that left many visitors dazzled with a burning desire to return again and again.They did this without having to be enticed through catchy ads or colourful brochures. In fact, repeat visitors became our best advertisements, as they spread the good word to others. Obviously attractive promotional material is helpful, but what matters most are impressions from the moment they arrive.In recent years, some repeat guests have voiced concern that Bermuda has changed, to a point where it seems visitors are taken for granted. This is not to say warm friendliness has vanished, but even many Bermudians concede that over the years, we have become somewhat colder, without that ambassadorial outreach of yesteryear.Some Bermudians especially seniors who recall our once thriving industry, are embarrassed over the amount of gun violence and unfriendly attitudes so prevalent in Bermuda today. Where did we go wrong? With our small population, it seems unthinkable that rival gangs could take root beneath the surface, with brazen criminal acts unheard of years ago.We seem to have forgotten it was hard working people from all walks of life, who made Bermuda so successful. The major challenge today, is whether we can lock arms in the struggle to stamp out violent crime, antisocial behaviour, and hostile attitudes that can so easily destroy what took many years to build.Much of the world has changed including Bermuda, and while there has been progress in various areas of life, some lingering deeply rooted negative attitudes continue to stifle a more harmonious approach in tackling major problems of the day.Most Bermudians who really care about their Island home would like to see tourism revived in an atmosphere where everyone is a part of making the industry productive and rewarding for all. The new government, the One Bermuda Alliance, will need full support from every section of the community including the business sector, various unions, along with the Opposition Progressive Labour Party.It is a little like a symphony orchestra. Musicians with different instruments are able to blend their skills to produce great works by master composers such as Dvorak and Beethoven.Our diverse society is somewhat like that orchestra with a variety of talents that need to perform together with the single purpose of building a stronger Bermuda which would lead to a revival of old Bermuda pride.A great deal of hard work lies ahead, and failure is not an option. Too often these days, politics for whatever reason gets in the way of doing the right thing to move Bermuda forward. The international business sector which we all know has been keeping our economic support beams in place for some time, needs to be strengthened, while we work to regain footing in the highly competitive tourist industry.Bermuda is still one of the most beautiful gardens in the Atlantic, but even the best of gardens must be protected from destructive weeds. In other words cleaning up our backyard will give us more pride when we invite guests through the front door. Currently there is much to be concerned about in the area of dangerous criminal activity, which continues to undermine efforts to restore a greater sense of peace and safety.Our problems are not going to be solved in the weeks or months ahead. However the people of this Island have given the OBA Government the opportunity to make a difference after 14 years of the previous administration. Democracy allows doors to open for change.Hopefully whatever change we experience, will be aimed at making life better for all Bermudians. Time is not on our side, and unless we pool our best instruments for the sake of improving this Island, future generations will be faced with problems this generation should have erased. Not the best legacy.