concern to the College community.

That is important in an institution dedicated to the exchange of ideas -- one of the key elements in learning.

Nonetheless, such a policy can become troublesome to administrators and individuals when problems are aired in public. This can cause disarray within the College community and embarrassment to individuals.

There seems to be no question that there is considerable discontent among a number of staff and some students -- although not the faculty or the student government -- at the College with regard to staffing issues and administration.

This should not take away from the giant strides that the College has made since it was founded 25 years ago.

But clearly there is a need for all sides at the College to discuss the issues raised in an open way.

The aim of such discussions should be to ensure that the College becomes a better place which strives for academic excellence and meets the varied demands of the whole Bermuda community.

Some of the programmes that the Board of Governors and College President George Cook have underway will meet some of the concerns of the unhappy students and staff. These should be given time to work and it should be noted that the current board has had little more than a year to identify and solve problems.

If talks between the two sides do not resolve this issue, Government should accept Shadow Education Minister Tim Smith's proposal for an independent inquiry into the affairs of the College.

TOURISM FIESTA EDT Tourism fiesta The return of the Bermuda International Film Festival, after a year's absence, is a welcome return to the Island's cultural scene.

By all accounts, the Festival has been a major success and is establishing BIFF as an important event on the international independent film circuit.

The buzz that emanates from the Festival has to help the tourism industry as it demonstrates that the Island can fill the growing cultural tourism niche.

This is important because the Island is facing growing competition from other sand, sun and sea destinations which can offer year-round hospitality at lower prices than Bermuda.

So Bermuda must show that it is different. The eco-resort at Daniel's Head and the other eco-tourism features of Bermuda is one area, the Island's tremendous wreck diving and undersea attractions are another and BIFF, the Bermuda Festival, the autumn Jazz festival and the Island's other year-round cultural attractions fill another niche.

None of these segments of the tourism market will be a panacea for the tourism industry on their own. But taken together, they can show that Bermuda is another world and that is to be welcomed.