June 23, 2011Dear Sir,The Government must provide the framework for moving Bermuda to an independent and economically green sustainable future. Our Government and our elders must be part of the solution, not the problem.In a way, Mr Editor, our youth are part of Bermuda’s sustainable development. We need to engage the youth, empower them, strengthen them and see that they become resilient contributors to our renewable economy. We need solar and green energy production to meet the Island’s energy needs; first to our people and local business then to outsiders.The government can encourage independent economic activity by promoting a policy that allows continuing Bermuda wealth creation and private property ownership. A Cabinet committed to freedom and individual rights will promote less dependence on government which results in more sustainability. A continuing effort to improve justice and fairness under the rule of law also promotes sustainability.Decentralised government services allow more grass roots decisions to emerge from the local community. Decentralising government into the Parish Councils provides more efficient and manageable government. Smaller more manageable government is more sustainable.Our government cannot sustain itself by increasing more national debt without providing adequate public services at an affordable cost and encouraging personal wealth. Government must live within its means and manage the common and collective resources of its people efficiently, not wasting the people’s assets. Proper national wealth management is key to sustainability of the society.Confidence and trust reflect the people’s feeling of a sustainable future reducing stress and giving the public hope for a secure future. Mr Editor, most of the population is presently confused about the future. Many of our people feel they have been misrepresented. They are concerned that the politicians have drawn unsubstantiated policy conclusions from distorted evidence.The call for a sustainable and green independence is socially responsible and a positive path to Bermudian economic and employment concerns for the future. It is only through a sustainable model we can be an independent and free society.MICHAEL A MARKHAMSmith’s