Bermudians are being called upon to show their national spirit: by helping with the development of ?national chants? to cheer on Bermudians in sport, at football games in particular.

Minister of Community, Cultural Affairs and Sport Dale Butler announced the idea of the national chant at a meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club yesterday as part of an effort to develop Island pride and help Bermudians ?get the message?.

National songs written by artists such as Judith Ann Bean and Hubert Smith are also on the agenda. The possibility of a third national sport ? perhaps sailing or aquatic sports in general ? is also being researched.

In a speech covering everything from his controversial stance on Cuba to his first encounter with the birds and bees ? ?to begin with, nobody ever tells you if you are a bird or a bee? ? Mr. Butler emphasised his theme of ?getting the message?.

?Messages received today, digested today, help determine our future,? he said.

Such messages include progressive moves that are often viewed with fear and an unwillingness to change.

Using the doubt and fear which surrounded Columbus?s voyage to the New World as an example, Mr. Butler cited another example which was closer to home: the sale of the Bank of Bermuda to HSBC.

?Suppose the HSBC deal is not good for the country,? he said. ?It amazes me how recent negative discussions about this move passed yesterday have been led by many people who don?t even have shares and who have not attended any of the meetings or read the newspaper articles.

?They have missed the message, but will hold on to their beliefs rather than be enlightened, because ?suppose they might be right?.

?While we grumble and complain, the opportunities are lost!? he said. ?Remember, opportunities have been known to knock, but never to pick a lock.

?There is a pattern in our country now that takes up so much time and makes it virtually impossible to get the message delivered in a timely fashion and to the right people,? he later continued. ?I think it ties in with our attitude to hurricanes. We don?t react on the first few warnings until that hurricane is at least ten miles away ? which means we have to suffer the consequences.

?How do you turn it around? It is a difficult question.?

Part of the answer includes development in local sports such as the hosting of the CARIFTA Games in Bermuda in April ? a move which has the full support of the Bermuda Government, he said.

However, support is needed in other areas ?to get the message to our people... that will enlighten them and empower them to see obstacles as opportunities?.

Such areas included education, hospitality (an area the Department of Cultural Affairs will shortly be reviewing), the possibility of a third national sport, and focus on the clubs.

Bermuda?s youth and seniors will also be receiving attention, Mr. Butler said.

?Do you get the message?? he asked. ?If so ? pass it on.?