democracy, a referendum of one person, one vote, yes or no, on a single but very important subject. They have even chosen, if they wished, to stay away from the polls. The important thing is that Bermudians have had their say.

Now it is time for healing. Very few issues have ever caused such strong social and racial divisions as the debate on Independence has caused in Bermuda. There were suggestions during the debate that Independence had divided Bermuda along racial lines. The divisions were much broader and much more complex than race. There were divisions among the races and even divisions in families. Some friends agreed not to see one another while the debate raged. Bermudians seemed to talk of almost nothing else for months and even Cup Match cricket gave way to Independence, and, toward the end, talking about hurricane Felix was a welcome break.

The emotions involved in being for or against Independence are often very strong. Some Bermudians have wanted Independence for over 30 years. Other Bermudians see Independence as the end of their security. But Bermuda is a democracy and in any democracy there are those whose views prevail and those whose views do not prevail. It is often the case that both views are perfectly valid but one happens to be favoured by more people.

Bermuda is blessed with a strong, sensible and intelligent people. Bermudians also possess great energy and a positive will to succeed. That is what has made Bermuda a success. It has served us well in the past and will serve us well now.

What we have had is a family disagreement. Some members of the family have not behaved very well and parts of the disagreement have been thoroughly unpleasant. Some things have been done which seemed close to madness. Other things have been done which have made us ashamed. Such things happen under stress and when families are having a difficult time. But we are still Bermudians. We are still a small group of people with a common background living on an island in mid-Atlantic. Get together today with someone whose view you did not share. We all have to go on living here and we must try our very best to live here in mutual respect and harmony.

It is important now that we get together and get on with the business of Bermuda without rancour or recrimination. Bermuda needs to heal. That will be difficult for some people and especially difficult for some politicians and may take a little time but now Bermuda must come first. There is a future to achieve and a decision to be honoured. Just as after an election we hurry to get on with the people's business, so now after the referendum we should get on with Bermuda's business. There is plenty to be done in this home which we all love so much.