Dear Sir,

I feel that Bermuda could stand a good shot in the arm to revive her economy. Bermuda needs to offer something unique. She lacks the long tourist season and guaranteed sunshine that the Caribbean offers, and this could be considered a drawback in tourists’ eyes.

Bermuda has a uniqueness and strength of her own. We are reminded that “we are a world apart”. Why continue to pretend that we are part of the West Indies? This is a faux stance and doesn’t stand up to close scrutiny. The West Indies is a thousand miles away and has its own distinct culture. We have ours.

My suggestion is to consider establishing Bermuda as a centre for arts and culture. We have a wonderful blend of citizens. Bermuda’s natural beauty is her most valuable attraction and asset; plus we have international air service. Cruise ship passengers would have a positive goal to plan their cruise to take in a scheduled performance. In other words, give purpose to their trip.

I suggest that Bermuda is a natural to promote the concept of a centre for arts to Europeans and North Americans. Professional artisans and people of culture would have a venue in beautiful surroundings. We have a history of visiting professionals who found our island life conducive to artistic work in the past.

There was Winslow Homer, Tom Moore, “Satchmo” (Louis Armstrong), Andrew Wyeth, Somerset Maugham and others; plus a number of film celebrities. Some made their home on the island.

We would hope to draw on a mature, accomplished and steady type of visitor. We could become a showcase of culture, highlighting dance, art, orchestra, film, theatre and other forms of talented human artistic accomplishments. Airline service has shrunk the world.

If this concept succeeded, our stature in world eyes would be greatly enhanced. We would be offering a venue that would set us apart. It would take a great deal of thought, planning, concerted effort and, ultimately, major investment, but I know my Bermudians are up to it.

Without a doubt, it would be too much to expect a change of this nature to happen overnight. No, I think effort should be directed to making the change over a short span of time. Bermudian entertainment should continue as we know it, but integration should be promoted.

We have inherited a wonderful, laid-back, relaxing and simplistic lifestyle, which so much of the modern world lacks; however, we have to pull our weight, so to speak. We are not a backwater. No, on the contrary, we are the leading edge of modern-day tourism. We’re in a position that others can learn from us.

What we need now are folks who are brave and enterprising enough to get the ball rolling.

COLIN RAY

Peterborough, Ontario

Canada