I FOR one welcome the tentative first steps towards Independence taken by the Progressive Labour Party Government. At its annual Founder's Day Luncheon on Sunday, Premier Alex Scott called on the country to enter into a national debate on the question of sovereignty.

His call marks a change in direction for a political party that at its inception placed the quest for Bermudian Independence near the top of its agenda but which, in recent years, ceased to be an advocate for sovereignty and indeed found itself being led by a Premier who sought to downplay the issue.

In fact, former Premier Jennifer Smith's position was seen as a betrayal of the historic role of the PLP in its support of Bermudian Independence. But the issue of sovereignty was kept alive during the PLP's first term in Government by those of us among the party's members and supporters who were simply not prepared to give up the dream of Bermudian Independence.

In that context, I welcome the label attached to me at the weekend by United Bermuda Party backbencher Trevor Moniz, who said proponents of Independence are members of a so-called radical political fringe of the PLP.

For it is my understanding of the history of this country that only through radical actions has progress been made in Bermuda. It was radicals who overturned Bermuda's officially sanctioned system of segregation in the 1950s. It was radicals who pioneered a militant and progressive trade union movement which has been the chief instrument in pushing this country towards some sort of economic parity between employers and those upon whose backs this country's real wealth rests ? its workers.

Further to that, if it were not for the actions of a few radical Bermudians, we would not have had the beginnings of a democratic political system with a Universal Franchise giving all Bermudians the right to vote, the right to decide who would govern them.

Political radicalism in this country has brought about progressive change. I am proud to be associated with its tradition in this country.

Now we stand on the threshold of the last significant political development in the evolution of this country ? the attainment of national Independence for Bermuda. If it requires what Mr. Moniz calls "radicalism" to get us there, then I am more than willing to do my bit.

The UBP's veteran anti-Independence campaigner claims he is willing to debate the subject with anyone provided that it is a rational debate. Well, he should define what he means when he talks about a so-called rational debate.

He and I have been here before. In fact, we appeared on the same television programme debating this very same issue in the run-up to then-Premier Sir John Swan's Independence referendum initiative. There was no shouting or finger wagging. Other debates took place, all quite civil.

If what he calls a "rational debate" means that those of us who support Independence for Bermuda must put up with bogeymanism, fear-mongering, the reinforcing of a colonial dependence mentality and, worst of all, the undermining of the belief in ourselves as a people and confidence that we can succeed as a country, then those of us who support Independence must counter all such arguments.

Having seen such debates before I suspect that the anti-Independence factions in this country will utilise all of the above as reasons why Bermuda cannot become Independent. We will also hear arguments that this is not the right time to go it alone or that we have too much on our plate at the moment. Another roadblock that will be erected by the anti-Independence factions is that we should not get emotional about any debate on sovereignty.

Well, I can say that not only do I get emotional about the issue but I am continually insulted when I look upon the national symbols of this country and I do not see its black majority reflected in them. It is an insult to me as a black Bermudian, to my children and my grandchildren and to the memory of my grandmother, who was born in this country and whose sacred bones lie under its soil.

So, yes, emotion is a factor in my determination to see Bermuda Independent and it is why I state that only death will cease my advocacy for Bermudian sovereignty. I also would also like to address what I call the "Big Lie" ? and that is Bermudians, if they become British citizens, will then have the run of Europe.

The European Union countries? I see Europe as Fortress Europe. Why, the EU is even reluctant to accept citizens from Eastern Europe, even those who have recently gained EU membership.

And as for me, a black Bermudian, I look just like my African and Caribbean cousins, who for the most part find the door of Europe shut. Even if I were to enjoy such a privilege, I would reject it on the principle that I have no wish to become someone's privileged negro.

Bermuda is a Western Hemisphere country and therefore its destiny lies in the West ? not in Europe. Mr. Moniz's attempt to suggest that Premier Scott is pandering to the so-called radical fringe of his party over this question of Bermudian Independence is arrant nonsense.

For even a blind man cannot fail to see that since Alex Scott has assumed the leadership of the PLP and has become the Premier, he has rapidly consolidated his own base of support in the party and, more importantly, his links with grassroots PLP supporters and the people at large.

Even if Premier Scott's opening of a debate on the question of Independence is his own personal for the future of his country, name me one political leader on this island who has not at one time walked this path or at least thought of it. UBP Premier Jack Sharpe commissioned a Green Paper on Independence. His successor David Gibbons proceeded with a White Paper. Then Sir John Swan held a referendum on the subject. Were they all radicals?

We would do worse having a leader who had no thoughts for the future of his country or any idea in which direction we should go. As for my overall feeling on the prospect of an Independent Bermuda, there is one issue that will be settled once and for all with the arrival of a sovereign Bermuda. And that, after all, is who will have the right to call themselves a Bermudian.

Finally, as I have always said, it is not a question of what you will gain materially from Bermuda becoming an Independent country. It does all come down to what you feel about your country and in that regard I have always maintained that I will take the new flag ? and the new responsibilities.