We, Bermudians from all walks of life, by circumstances of parental choice or otherwise, were fortunate enough to be born a Bermudian. There is nothing wrong with being passionate about what we believe in and, therefore, we must make a meaningful contribution to the future of our country in order to ensure a quality of life everyone living in Bermuda can enjoy.

We have a collective responsibility as people of Bermuda to safeguard the course of our destiny. With that comes the responsibility to ensure that we have in our democracy, the type of leadership that upholds the fundamental principles of good governance, which is to “do no harm”. Our leaders should be the best custodians of the principles of good governance, which must include good conduct and respect of laws.

The leaders of our country should conduct themselves at a standard and a manner so that generations of our children will see them as good custodians and be empowered by their leadership. Future generations should be able to have this view of anyone holding themselves out as leaders, especially elected Members of Parliament, in order to enhance the greater good of our people.

Elected Members of Parliament must be held to a higher account as they are deemed under our Constitution to make and uphold the laws and good deeds of our country that serves people from all walks of life.

They are the standard bearers that represent Bermuda both locally and overseas as their actions on an individual and collective basis must be an exemplary example as their conduct determines what others might think of Bermudians.

The conduct of certain Members of Parliament show no regard for the values and image of our country. They disregard the opinions of others and have no respect for the system of governance. They are often aggressive and consistently shoot the messenger and distort what Bermuda should represent. This behaviour is a reflection of how our young people across the spectrum unconsciously imitate the behaviour of some of our leaders and think it is the norm. They end up treating each other with lack of courtesy, tolerance, bitterness and patience.

How can we stop the gun in the street when one is literally and the other is physically assassinating each other?

How can we stop the perceived and/or real accusations of dishonesty? Uphold the law!

How can we educate our youth to a high standard when they are subjected to so much vicious, verbal distortions and distractions?

How can we build a future when there are those whose preoccupation is to anchor us in the past?

How can we dream great dreams and have great visions when those who want to be a part of a better future are constantly distracted by naysayers?

What price must we continue to pay with the lives of generation after generation who are held back on the premise that “it is somebody else’s fault”?

Our leaders need to step up, put aside their petty differences, be the leaders that we elected them to be, regardless of their personal weaknesses or likes and dislikes.

Our leaders must honour the trust that has been bestowed upon them and truly be our brother’s keeper, especially in holding high office.

They should regard it as a privilege and a responsibility to uphold that role with honour and dignity and not let personal attitudes dominate and distract them from good governance.

We, as Bermudians, deserve an inclusive society that will be determined by our collective good in these difficult times that challenge every aspect of our daily lives.

None of us can offer a promising future unless we determine individually and collectively that we will make rational and sound decisions with honour and respect for each other as we work to fulfil the potential that enhances what is the collective good of all Bermudians.