Premier Jennifer Smith last night opened the Progressive Labour Party's (PLP) delegates conference with a call for harmony among the party ranks.

She reminded the delegates that the party had inherited a society plagued with "systemic social problems that were the legacy of neglect of our Country's most important natural resource - our people".

"Nonetheless, we entered office confident of our ability to turn these challenges into opportunities and determined to demonstrate to you - and to the world - that with courage. judgment, integrity and dedication, the most daunting hurdles can be overcome."

She urged the members to bear in mind that the first PLP team to be victorious at the polls can not escape history.

"No personal significance - or insignificance - can spare any of us. Our responses to the trials and challenges that we have faced will determine how we are remembered, in honour or dishonour," the Premier said. "The Country will not forgive those of us who say we are for the party - but work and act against the party's interest. Nor will history forgive those of us who are guilty of so betraying the faith."

Ms Smith addressed her detractors in the party by saying that some members throughout the past year had been displaying "the kind of indiscipline and thoughtless behaviour that was reminiscent of the Opposition PLP of the 70s and 80s".

"It is thrilling to be a rebel. To glory in the freedom of those who are neither elected nor selected - and express our feelings without reference or thought," she said. "Of course, members have the right to speak their minds. But members also have to remember why they were elected. Members of Parliament were elected because of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party banner under which we fought."

And referring to a symphony orchestra, she said: "Can you imagine what would happen if even one musician should decide not to play in time with the rest? For one thing that person wouldn't last very long - and no one would wonder why."

But that did not mean that symphonies did not value creativity or individuality. "But music without harmony can easily become noise," she said to murmurs of approval. "Simply stated - there is a time and place for us to act individually, creatively and on our own to improve things. There are other times when we need to be sure that we are in step, in rhythm, in tune, in harmony and in concert with others."

She called on the delegates to honour those who lost their lives as a result of the September 11 attacks on the United States by celebrating "the tolerance, diversity and prosperity that characterise our democratic societies".

And she urged the delegates to make the upcoming Pembroke East Central by election a "testament to David Allen's determination, courage and indomitable spirit... I hope that I speak for all of you when I say that David Allen's death has strengthened my resolve to not only win the by-election but to win the next general election by a landslide."

The party needs at least another term in office "if we are to be faithful to the leaders who gave their all to get us to this point", she asserted.

"We cannot repay the sacrifices of a Walter Robinson, a Wilfred Allen, an L. Frederick Wade, or even a Lois Browne-Evans - but we can ensure that their dreams become reality by continuing the work to create a civil, tolerant, self reliant materially blessed, creative and culturally confident society."

Those who, out of "narrow self interest, seek to deliberately discredit the political process and to vilify whoever is involved," reminded her of Judas Iscariot, she continued.

And, referring to a book by David Gergen, an advisor to three American presidents, she reflected on the qualities of successful leaders.

"In politics, as in most forms of life, there's more than cognitive intelligence, there's emotional intelligence," the Premier said. "Gergen stressed the importance of honing analytical skills but not at the expense of emotional intelligence."

She ended the speech with a call for members to act positively and be personally involved and loyal to the party. "We must stop thinking and talking about `what's wrong' and start doing whatever will help to make it right. Let us vow to look for - and find - the positives."