Gazette of interviews with Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson and activist Stuart Hayward and the subsequent letter to the Editor from "Expat CEO'', one thing is clear: Bermuda's racial divide is as wide as ever.

For the most part, those who supported Mr. Hodgson's views and those who were appalled by them were speaking at cross-purposes with very little understanding of where either side was coming from.

Similarly, some of the letters this newspaper has received in response to "Expat CEO'' tend to dwell on the most negative aspects of the letter without seeing its merits. Others see its positive aspects and fail to see where it is hurtful or insulting.

This communications gap is caused by stereotypes and generalisation; fertile ground for misunderstandings and misconceptions.

In part this is because integration is a work in progress. As successful as it may have been in the workplace, Bermuda still tends to work together, but to play apart.

Mr. Hodgson said he was concerned about the pace and demands of development and feared the large number of non-Bermudians required to effect it were changing the community, and not always for the better. But by apparently blaming non-Bermudians for countless social ills, many expatriates took his views to mean "foreigners out'', which caused fear and unease.

"Expat CEO'', and similar letters defending the contributions of expatriates give the sense that Bermuda would somehow cease to exist without non-Bermudians. Comments about "knuckle handshakes and high fives'' not being acceptable in the boardroom were highly offensive to black residents.

Bermuda is plagued by stereotypes: Whites are not all rich, nor are they secret members of the Ku Klux Klan. Blacks are not lazy, nor do they expect to be handed jobs or promotions on a platter. Expatriates do not come to Bermuda to take Bermudians' jobs or promotions as an absolute right, nor are they all geniuses.

Yet all stereotypes carry a kernel of truth. And almost everyone can unearth some past experience or anecdote which then is applied to all people of a particular background or race.

Lack of communication means these stereotypes are perpetuated; only genuine dialogue, grounded in reality, can cross the racial divide and the gulf between Bermudians and non-Bermudians.

Groups such as the National Association for Reconciliation, Beyond Barriers and the Institute for Diversity at the Bermuda College have tried to build communications and understanding. But often they are preaching to the converted, or become a place for the endless rehashing of grievances.

To be sure, they have value, and diversity training is making a difference for many, albeit one person at a time.

But Bermuda needs a national dialogue in which all people can feel safe to come forward and speak openly and honestly in an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance.

That is the first step. The second requires people to share experiences, not only in the workplace, but outside. Only then can we learn that we are all members of one race -- humanity.