Bermuda has weathered many storms over the years, be they natural, or man-made, and all have tested the true Bermuda spirit to the fullest.

History has shown that even at the worst of those times it was that Bermuda spirit that kept our island home from sinking into the abyss of total despair.

Then, as now, the heroes, who guided Bermuda through the worst of the storm, knew that pulling together as a people would be the only way forward. They will probably never have their names in lights, but their efforts helped to build a Bermuda capable of tackling such times.

Today, more than ever, we need leaders totally committed to being truthful, and honest, in dealing with complex issues in a clear absolutely transparent manner, if the clouds of mistrust are to move away from our shores.

After what was nothing short of political suicide, the One Bermuda Alliance Government was almost blown out of the sky by engaging in an affair that should have been prevented by anyone with the slightest concern that boarding that private jet deviated from the principles of transparency that Bermudians expect from the Government of the day.

There is also no need to continually bash the former PLP Government for mistakes of the past of which they, and the people, are aware. Every Government makes mistakes, which is why it is important to level with the people when they occur, to avoid the tidal wave of speculation that at times is more damaging than the truth.

While everyone wants the Jetgate affair to be fully exposed, and placed on the shelf of history, its effect will trigger the need to avoid political games, with carefully chosen words to mislead the Bermudian people. Although the Jetgate affair resulted in the Premier resigning, the public is still pondering whether Government has fully cleared the air over who knew what when.

Anyone who boarded that plane along with the former Premier remains a question mark over keeping the highest standards expected from Government officials. That alone could hamper the efforts of Premier Michael Dunkley, in convincing the people that the political cleansing so desperately needed, is complete.

Mr Dunkley, a successful businessman, and well respected politician, is confronted with nothing less than a monumental task of trying to rebuild confidence, in the midst of confusion over how Government officials could have made such a blunder.

Most of Bermuda was hurt by this incident, which did not put politics in a good light. Now is the time for cool collective thinking from Government, and indeed the Opposition, who cannot be blamed for pressing this matter no matter how ugly it turned out to be.

The OBA Government now has to adopt the stance of the household product, Mr Clean, in making certain that no stains are left to spoil efforts to move forward.

How Government handles any controversial matter could mean the difference between their credibility status. It is almost impossible not to sense something troubling in the conflicting twist and turns of the Black Mayors conference being organised by the Hamilton Corporation with backing from the Government.

Once again the public seems to be at a loss over what is really happening. It is this type of situation that breeds mistrust in the handling of the people’s business, especially when there are questions over cost.

Government needs to be extremely careful in their undertakings of any project, where alarm bells and conflicting reports involving finance can create the appearance that total transparency has been bypassed for reasons not fully explained.

For the moment the new Premier needs all the support he can muster in his effort to regroup and get on with various objectives aimed at improving our job an economic situation.

In the days ahead, Premier Dunkley can expect more questions over what has transpired, but if he remains focused on the positive, with a new commitment to informing the public with spotless transparency, he could be the man to redirect the OBA ship.

It is an opportunity to clean house, and provide Bermuda with the service Bermudians expect, no matter who is Government.