Dear Sir,

The Royal Gazette has been quoted in The Washington Post stating a spokeswoman from Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda describing independence as “a natural progression” and goes on to be quoted, “it is very difficult to see how being a colony or Overseas Territory benefits Bermuda in any tangible way”.

1, Covid vaccines provided by the British Government at no cost to the Bermuda public. Had we got into bargaining for supplies, when would they have arrived and at what cost?

2, Numerous Bermudians have emigrated to Britain. Should they be unfortunate enough not to be able to get a job, they are entitled to all the benefits as does the British taxpayer.

3, The NHS is available to such immigrants. While they may not be able to get the service we get in Bermuda and “wait in line to get an operation” like all Brits, and all without payment.

4, Hurricanes hitting the island are supported by the British Navy. Fortunately we have not needed much of this assistance owing to the infrastructure on the island and Bermudians being well prepared.

5, Bermudians are very well travelled, and should assistance be required, the British consulates and embassies are available. What would be the cost to the Bermudian taxpayer for such consulates around the world? It would be a plum job for many Bermudians, but that would also reduce the number of working Bermudians on the island, and Lord alone knows we need more bodies to pay taxes — not fewer after the exodus of about 5,000 persons a few years ago.

6, Because of government restrictions, should you be a member of the gay community, one cannot arrange a legal union with one’s partner in Bermuda, but you can go to Britain and establish a legal union.

Careful consideration has to be taken before we go “independent” — there being lots of pros and cons. The only way to see the mood of the country is to have a referendum and not rely on the decisions of 40 parliamentarians.

God save the King!

ANTONY SIESE

Paget