Independence won't be priority
THE United Bermuda Party yesterday clarified its stance on Independence, saying it would not become a priority if it is returned to Government at the next General Election.
He stressed, however, that under a UBP Government, voters would make the ultimate decision on the matter.
“Independence is not an issue that we will pursue if elected. There are other more important issues that the people of Bermuda want us to take up on their behalf and our plan for tackling those issues is set out in our 2007 platform. However, I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to a decision by referendum on major constitutional issues such as Independence for Bermuda and, in doing so, will implement good governance measures to enable the people of this country to have not only a voice but a vote on such matters.”
The Opposition has long expressed its view that a referendum is the best means for resolving the Independence issue but an official party line has not been forthcoming. Instead, UBP officials have stated a belief that MPs should be able to take an individual stance on the matter.
Said former UBP leader Grant Gibbons in 2005: “We don’t believe we should be telling our members which way to vote on Independence. A decision on Independence is irrevocable, unlike an election vote that can be changed at the next election. So, effectively a decision on Independence is a question of conscience.”
That outlook lies in contrast with the Progressive Labour Party’s repeatedly stated desire to make Bermuda an independent nation.
Premier Ewart Brown declared Independence his goal for the island only last month. Speaking to reporters following a meeting of the Caribbean Overseas Territories in the Cayman Islands, he said that the timing had to be perfect in order for it to become a reality.
“It is a matter of timing and political sense as to when that issue is put before the electorate. It is my personal belief that all living things should seek to be independent.
“Those people who would like to see such a vote (for Independence) or other method lose, would like to rush into it tomorrow. Those of us who would like to see it succeed, will take our time and try to choose the correct time.”
And he declared a similar objective last March when speaking to the Caribbean Media Corporation in Trinidad: “You might know that in 1995 there was a referendum in Bermuda that actually failed — people voted against Independence. “Of course, my party abstained, but when we go again we will win and we cannot risk the chance that we would lose the vote for Independence. Undoubtedly for me, Independence is inevitable. Bermuda will not be isolated in that regard.
“Our political development says that one day our country will be politically independent.”
The most recent poll on Independence, taken by Research Innovations in May, revealed 34.7 per cent of Bermudians support of sovereignty, with 54.7 per cent against.
