Bermudians are on the edge of a cliff, and the Island's future hangs in the balance.

Economies and nations around the world are reshaping themselves for the future. Tourism is a major part of this. How Bermuda responds and positions itself over the next three to five years will determine the fate and living standards on the Island for generations to come.

Consider: The Athenian Empire of the 5th century BC was known for the best thinkers, writers and artists in the world. Greek culture drove incredible wealth, energy and creativity. But the Athenian Empire was humbled by the Spartans in the Peloponnesian War that started in 431 BC. The Athenians never regained prominence. There are important lessons to be learned from what happened.

King Darius the Third, who led the mighty Persian Empire, one of the most sophisticated civilisations in history, was defeated by Alexander the Great in 334 B.C. This defeat marked the beginning of the end of the largest empire in the ancient world. The Persians never recovered.

There are lessons here as well. In 1776, Edward Gibbon wrote about Romulus Augustus, who oversaw the fall of the Roman Empire. Romulus made no decisions and left no monuments. All of us know well the power of the Roman Empire. They too lost it.

These three civilisations, in their time, led the world in literature, art, science and more. Each civilisation fell because it did not get a handle on its problems. Its people, despite calls to step up, became weak and lazy. Bermuda is nearing a set of conditions which if not addressed will lead to your relinquishing incredible benefits Bermuda enjoys. Problems of enormous proportion face Bermuda and unless Bermudians as individuals and as a people who have always succeeded can address what is in front of them, the final days of your lives, and certainly those of your sons and daughters and your grandchildren, will be compromised.

I do not want to be a total Cassandra. There is good news. Bermuda remains a strong Island. Your economy is recovering and tourism, while shaky, is still happening. And with financial services and a solid insurance base, the future seems good. But Bermuda's problems far outweigh the good that is happening, so what do Bermudians do?

What it takes is a return to the values that made Bermuda great. With the Premier's decision to step down this fall, Bermuda needs leadership, innovation, responsibility and faith. Bermuda needs to honour the principles that shape the Island and, meantime, minimise the size and waste of government at all levels. And what can Bermudians do to address these challenges?

Let me offer five very simple and easy things. First, the Island will have new leadership in the Fall. Put partisan feelings aside and band together to tackle the big problems and take advantage of opportunities. Seriously address the economy, taxes, public works, health care and the other big issues.

Second, hire someone now, even part-time. There are dozens of businesses in Bermuda; and if 20 percent of these businesses hire someone, think about what it would do to the economy.

Third, reach out to support the charities in Bermuda. Help those who cannot help themselves. Fourth, honour an important Bermuda tradition speak out. Bermuda society demands that voices be heard. Your ideas, opinions and thoughts can shape some of the important issues of the day.

Fifth, innovate. Bermuda has to get back to being a place that makes things and creates jobs. In your own business, in your own life, do something different to add value.

These are five simple and easy steps, and none requires a lot of effort. Any one of these, however, could result in a better Island and a better society. For Bermuda, the time is right now. Bermuda needs to ensure that it does not go the way of the Persians, the Athenians or the Romans.

Robert Dilenschneider has been coming to Bermuda since 1972 and has seen the island evolve in dozens of ways. He works in New York City and is the author of many books, including the recently published "AMA Handbook of Public Relations.