E Bermudians are a laid-back sort of folk. It's a fact that serves our politicians well. Tired as they must often be of dealing with the press, imagine the extreme hardship of being confronted on controversial issues by the average Joe as they conduct their ordinary affairs ? at the gas station, in churches and bars, in grocery stores, and on the street. On second thoughts, it might justify the incredible salary rise now under review, but I digress.

There exists a silent majority in Bermuda ? a huge portion of the population who follow the issues of the day without public comment. On such matters, they may occasionally air opinions via a Letter to the Editor ? usually under a pseudonym. The more vocal might call in to one of the island's popular radio talk shows and express their views that way. As a group, however, they tend to wait until the next General Election and let their vote speak for them.

The Bermudian reluctance to speak publicly on certain issues is one which was remarked upon by consultants visiting the island in 2002. While here preparing a human rights report, Dessima Williams and Geraldine Terry of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office found Bermudians afraid to speak out on matters of controversy.

"People (are) telling us there is a general reluctance to speak out on issues," they noted. "This seems partly due to the lack of anonymity in a country with such a small population, and partly due to Bermuda's historical legacy....Perhaps this is something that should be more openly debated ? but just now, I don't think it is exaggerating to say that fear makes it hard for people to speak out."

Two years later, former Progressive Labour Party (PLP) MP Calvin Smith also saw fit to address the topic, presenting an alternative viewpoint in an opinion piece which appeared in .

"Generally, this island is showing a growing respect for differences of opinion. Increasingly, either in print or other media, opinions are being expressed that defy traditional behaviour. People now criticise Government policies and administration to an extent that was once unthinkable by anyone except the boldest politician, wealthiest businessman or most powerful trade union leader. There can be no doubt that this new-found boldness has been the result of the election of the Progressive Labour Party as the Government of Bermuda."

Whether or not the election of the PLP has enabled a certain boldness with regard to expression, I don't know.

What I can say, is that there is room for a great deal of improvement. And so, on behalf of the silent majority, I ask the following questions realising they are unlikely to do so themselves:

Why were no Government Ministers interviewed by the police in the Bermuda Housing Corporation probe?

Why hasn't the Government claimed on the performance bond (insurance policy) on the Berkeley project when the school is long overdue and way over budget?

Why hasn't tighter legislation been enacted with regard to care for our senior citizens in nursing homes?

Why hasn't the Broadcasting Commission taken action against the Minister of Works & Engineering's overtly political radio show?

Why was former PLP trustee Henry Talbot allowed to illegally bulldoze rock formations, excavate a cliff and destroy longtails' nests without enforcement action taken against him by the Environment Ministry? Why isn't the Bermuda National Trust kicking up a fuss about this?

We've been told that $8 million was written off after the Bermuda Housing Corporation scandal. Where did it go? What was it used for?

Why has Government not addressed the pay-to-play allegations surrounding the Bermuda pension funds?

How can MPs justify the incredible salaries now before the House especially when civil servants were only given a 4.5 per cent rise ? for this year.

With Finance Minister Paula Cox and Attorney General Larry Mussenden admitting the new secondary school has "deficiencies" that would never have been brought to light without the revelations made by Canadian whistleblower Gabriel Martel, why should anyone believe that it's safe for kids? Will we ever know?

Most important to remember: Should the public allow such issues to go unchallenged, future argument could prove them accepted practice.