Greetings to you all, as our Quincentennial Year draws to a close.

Five hundred years ago, Juan de Bermudez discovered a string of islands previously unknown to man. I doubt he would recognize Bermuda now ? highly developed, heavily populated, and known throughout the world as an earthly paradise.

Yes, that?s a cause for celebration all right. I hope all of you felt you were part of the Quincentennial, because all of you have contributed to making Bermuda what it is. The highlight of our own celebrations was certainly our open house at the end of May. We were delighted to welcome nearly two thousand people in the course of the afternoon. It was a real family occasion, with infants as young as a few weeks old and grandparents in their late 90?s.

Most of them had never before had the opportunity to visit the House and Gardens. Volunteers were on hand to answer their questions. Many organisations ? including the Garden Club of Bermuda, the Parks Department and even a high school quintet ? all contributed to making it a successful community event.

But a five hundredth anniversary should be more than a celebration. It should also be a time to ask ourselves what is it about Bermuda that makes it such a wonderful place, and what we should be doing to keep it that way. And what better time to do that than at this season, as the year turns and we embark upon the next five hundred years.

Our prosperity has brought us many material comforts, and this is the season to give thanks for them. But as people grow older they tend to treasure family and friends above material possessions. That?s why on this day of celebration we try to gather family and friends around us.

If we truly value the quality of our lives, we must recognise that the people around us matter far more than our possessions. Our families, because it is from the family that we learn the values that we will carry with us throughout our lives. Our friends, because it is to our friends we turn for companionship, advice and support. The young people, who are our future; the seniors, who gave us that future; those facing illness or disability, who need help to build their own future.

This year, many young Bermudians have shown what they can achieve. In February we helped to launch some young people on the first expedition of Raleigh International Bermuda to Borneo. They came back transformed by the discovery of their ability to cope with physical and mental challenge. They learned much about leadership and about working with people from different cultures.

And look at the young sailors who are always out there on the water, in all weathers, in their vulnerable looking craft, building their self-reliance in a different way, and incidentally learning what it is like to compete at the highest international. We were pleased that the Duke of York visited Bermuda to show the importance the Royal Family attaches to the Quincentennial.

He found time to meet young Bermudians involved in a variety of outdoor challenges both here on the island and abroad. He talked informally to the Sea Cadets, and the Optimist sailors. Asked what they were learning from the experience personally and as a team, they gave a clear message: they had discovered skills they didn?t know they had, which they could use for a lifetime.

At this time of year Judy and I always try to visit some of the seniors? homes, the physically challenged at Summerhaven, and the Hospitals. It?s a humbling experience. The seniors have much to teach us about Bermuda?s history, and often some sharp observations about its present. And if you think seniors spend all their time snoozing and watching television, go up to Lefroy House and look at the pictures on their wall of their excursion this year to Orlando and DisneyWorld. And I wish I had pictures to show you of Mrs. Bentley, coming up to 102 years old, playing carols for us on the piano at Packwood.

It?s also right to recognise those who devote their lives to providing the best possible quality of care and comfort to the seriously ill. PALS have been providing support for cancer patients and their families in Bermuda for 25 years.

We decided to show our appreciation by dedicating two benches, made out of granite reclaimed from the sea. These were placed in a sheltered spot next to a small overgrown quarry where Parks Department helped PALS to create a butterfly garden. As we have replanted the grounds of Government House after Hurricane Fabian, we have taken the opportunity to recognise a number of local voluntary organisations in a similar way.

So at this season, as we unwrap the latest gadget or snaffle the last of the turkey, let?s not forget that the real Bermuda does not come gift wrapped but lies in its diverse community: its people, of all ages, talents and abilities. We must value, and invest in, everyone who lives here ? because it is they who will create the Bermuda of the next five centuries.

Judy and I send all of you, and your families and friends, our very best wishes for the holiday season and for peace on earth in the New Year.