challenges facing the Island.

Both stories are, on the surface, positive. In one, debt rating agency Moody's said it had awarded a AA1 rating to the Bermuda economy based on the likelihood of continued growth in international business and the drive to attract electronic commerce providers to the Island.

That's mostly good news -- it shows overseas confidence in the economy remains strong a year after the Progressive Labour Party took power, thus dispelling fears that a change in government would quickly hurt the economy.

But the report also notes the continued weakness of tourism. This is not seen as a serious problem by Moody's, but should be a matter of concern for the Island which needs to be able to rely on two strong pillars for the economy for the Island to thrive.

The second story -- on the number of retail businesses which are planning to open on the Sunday before Christmas -- shows that efforts are being made to turn around that side of the economy.

While some will see the move as a sign of the continued commercialisation of Christmas and as a sacrilege, the fact is that the Island must be innovative and radical if it is going to find ways to improve the retail sector, which counts on tourism and the money the industry brings into the economy for its survival.

If Sunday openings help the sector to improve its feeble bottom line, then the experiment is worthwhile. If not, the idea can be junked.

A NEW VISION A new vision Today's report on the Police Service's plans for the 21st Century can be taken in two ways.

The cynical will see the creation of vision and mission statements and the definitions of core values as so much hot air: It all sounds good, but it's hard to see how they will make much difference to the Police officer on the beat if words are not translated into action.

The optimistic see time spent developing a "vision'' as a worthwhile exercise. It gets people on the same page, and if it is followed through, can inject a directionless organisation with purpose.

The key is in the implementation. Those involved in the Police exercise -- said to be some 75 percent of staff and officers -- see a fully funded, equipped, trained and up-to-strength service.

That is as it should be and stands in stark contrast to the undermanned Service operating out of inadequate facilities who sometimes demonstrate a shockingly raw approach to policing Bermuda has now.

It does demonstrate that the Police at least know where the heart of their problems lie -- but much of what is envisioned will require Government funding to make it effective.