people with their heads buried in the sand.

Those who predicted "doom and gloom'' as a result of a study of Independence were "people who do not have anything but fear'', the Hon. Sir John Swan told the Hamilton Lions Club.

"They perpetuate that by a lack of understanding and a closed mind,'' he declared.

The same type of people "drove Gerald Simons out of Education,'' he said, referring to the Cabinet Minister he moved to a new portfolio last May in the midst of Government's school reforms.

Sir John was responding to criticism of Government's plan for a Commission of Inquiry and referendum on Independence, which is to be announced in the House of Assembly tomorrow.

Some people were complaining Government had too much on its plate to examine Independence, he said.

"We've always got a lot on our plate.'' He recalled how Bermudians banded together to clean up after Hurricane Emily in 1987 and avoided damage to the Country's tourism industry.

"Let's do away with this myth that we can't do things, because they can be done even under adverse conditions,'' he said. "I don't know where all this doom and gloom comes from, that we can't look after our own affairs.'' Sir John did not mention any critics by name. MP Mrs. Ann Cartwright DeCouto, who resigned as Delegated Affairs Minister over the Independence issue, has said Government has too much on its plate to consider Independence. She has also predicted a divisive debate with harmful effects on the economy.

Returning to a familiar theme, the Premier told how change was sweeping the world and countries everywhere were examining themselves and shifting priorities.

"There is no exception here in Bermuda that we should not look at ourselves, when the whole world is wrestling with itself,'' he said.

"There is a new wind blowing in the world order of things,'' and "we're not going to escape it; don't kid yourself.

"Anyone who tells you we're going to escape it is whistling Dixie,'' he said.

"It is incumbent upon us, therefore, to examine our options.'' It was important not only to explore Bermuda's situation, but to educate its people, he told the Princess Hotel audience.

Only if Bermudians participated in and felt a part of the Country's plan would their self-esteem increase. It was his job as Premier to prompt the examination.

"My God, if I didn't, you shouldn't have me around.'' The current debate about Bermuda's future was healthy, and everyone in a democracy was entitled to an opinion, he said.

"But for God's sake, please, let each one of us respect each other's viewpoint,'' he said.

Bermuda could confront the challenge or "simply put our heads in the sand on the South Shore,'' he said.

"If we do that, eventually the tide will come in high enough, the wind will change, and we will be led out to sea and drown.'' Every country had to have a vision, he said.

"A vision means you've got to step out beyond the norm if you're going to survive tomorrow.''