In today’s rumbling fast pace of life, where people seldom have quiet moments to reflect on values so common many decades ago, such as politeness, respect, tolerance, kindness and the ability to treat others as we would like to be treated, it is concerning when the leader of a powerful nation behaves in a manner that falls terribly short in promoting good values needed, especially during challenging times.

A vital aspect of this scenario is that in the midst of a global pandemic that is still causing havoc with many countries, resulting in lockdowns and economic hardship on a scale never seen before, many families have been shattered with countless children losing parents and relatives

The impact is at such staggering numbers that the human emotional aspect is reduced to a statistical blur.

Here in Bermuda, we have managed to prevent Covid-19 from taking a heavy toll, with quick government lockdown action that halted all major activities where transmission could have easily slipped out of control. With a small population, it could have been disastrous. As air travel slowly picks up pace, after months of a tourism shutdown, officials will still have to be vigilant and alert in trying to keep the island safe from this virus.

In the months ahead, growing the economy will be a major task for the Government, but with an all-hands-on-deck approach, where political differences should take a back seat, as we do with an approaching hurricane.

Keeping people informed every step along way will make them feel more a part of the struggle. It will be a while before our economic infrastructure gets rolling again to the point when business activity resumes on a scale where more jobs are created.

Meanwhile, Bermuda, like many other countries, continues to watch with concern the upcoming US presidential election — a process supercharged with bitter divisiveness, with President Trump claiming the only way he can lose the election is if it is rigged. That attitude has never been seen before in America’s history, and with armed extremist militia groups supporting him, some officials are fearful about reaction from these groups, should he lose.

While there are millions of Americans who support Trump as though he was the Pied Piper, and can do no wrong, millions of others are determined to use the power of their vote to halt what they feel has been a nightmare of political madness, with an administration out of touch with reality.

The entire world heard the President admit during an interview that he kept the full danger of the novel coronavirus from the public because he did not want them to panic.

He insisted he did a great job managing it, despite more than 200,000 Americans losing their lives to the virus, with infections still spreading across the nation and no sign of abating. That issue is a key factor, but people can only wait to see how it plays out on November 3.

Here in Bermuda, we have always enjoyed a wonderful relationship with America and hope that the country’s leaders, Democrats and Republicans, find courage to place truth and decency above politics in order to serve the people, and make America truly great for all of its citizens.

A successful America with good leadership is the only way forward. Leaders of any democratic country must understand that there is no substitute for truth and decency. The world is hoping Americans will remember that when they vote.