Critics accusing Government of wasting time on Independence are undermining the concept behind democracy, Premier Alex Scott has claimed.

In an exclusive interview with The Royal Gazette, Mr. Scott also discussed his own views on Independence, the views of outsiders, and the national discourse Government has initiated on the issue.

"Methinks those individuals protest too much," Mr. Scott said of naysayers who have criticised him for focusing on Independence rather than issues such as housing and the economy.

"They're saying Bermudians can't even be allowed to discuss Independence, think about Independence, consider Independence. I haven't committed the country to Independence, I've just said let's discuss it.

"In actual fact, anyone who's said we can't even spend time thinking about it - how democratic is that!"

Concerns that Government should be focusing on other, more pressing issues did not hold water with the Premier. "What - we can't chew gum and talk at the same time? Gee, how hard is it to discuss? Come on now," he said.

"We are a leading insurance and reinsurance country in the world. We have a history of solid governance here. We haven't put anybody in prison because of their political beliefs, and now I'm being told we're spending too much time thinking about Independence?

"I'm not requiring anyone to lose sleep, I'm not spending a fortune on Independence, Parliament is not tied up on the subject. So anyone giving that argument is really saying they are not for it - but I think they should at least consider it."

Mr. Scott also hit back at the Washington-based Council on Hemispheric Affairs which, in a report, accused him of "purposefully misinterpreting" local polls allegedly revealing the lack of interest Bermudians have in Independence.

Calling the council "some non-descript group from the US", Mr. Scott accused the media of giving more weight to some voices than to others.

"When organisations such as the UN say Bermuda should consider Independence your paper, your editor, these establishments say 'oh, an outside foreign body, what are they doing focusing on Bermuda?'"

Nevertheless, all voices should be heard in a democracy, he said.

Of council president Larry Birns, who was interviewed by VSB News on Tuesday evening, the Premier added: "I think this person, whoever he is, has a right to his opinion, however, I don't think he has been to Bermuda.

"When he (Mr. Birns) was asked if he supposed Premier Scott was responding to individuals in his party who want to discuss independence, he said, 'well, I don't know about that, I have to consider it'."

The admission left Mr. Scott wondering about the validity of the council's report.

"That's supposed to be a considered document. Sounds like a campaign to me ... Suddenly he is everywhere."

The council may have one opinion, but Mr. Scott made no bones of the fact that he is of a different mind - and that he was happy to discuss his views.

"No country is better suited, is better served, by coming together on a common theme - and that theme is Independence," he said.

"No country is better suited, is better served, by coming together on a common theme - and that theme is Independence," he said.

"No country is better suited, is better served, by coming together on a common theme - and that theme is Independence," he said.

"You can find a Canadian constituency, a British, an American, a Bermudian, a West Indian constituency (in Bermuda) but how many of us are united as Bermudian citizens?

"Canadians cherish their Canadian heritage, they get on a plane and go home for the holidays.

"Independence will bring us together under one flag, one theme, and one commitment, one country, one abiding belief that this point of geography in the Atlantic is our nation."

The move could even help tourism, he said, adding that as a member nation of the United Nations, there could be a very real possibility that Bermuda could host UN delegations. "They're not going to come to a colonial territory when they have other member nations who have the resources for them," he argued.

Bermuda would need to develop the resources for such events, however and Government is now looking to develop a convention centre at the National Stadium, Mr. Scott revealed.

The centre will be a place for national sports and a place to "showcase the Bermuda that we're so very, very proud of".

According to the premier, Independence would also give Bermudians control over the criminal justice system.

"We wanted a Bermudian Chief Justice - we were unable to do it because we are a British colony.

"We want to fight crime, drugs, and have a society that is safe for everyone. I can't direct the Minister for Public Safety to direct the Police Commissioner to do the following because he answers to the Governor. He responds to and respects the Minister but we don't control the chief cop in this community.

"Some will tell you they're glad we don't because they are not totally of this society, not totally Bermudian. They look for a safety net in Great Britain.

"I think we've reached the stage where we don't need to look outside. That in actual fact Bermuda is governed very nicely, thank you very much and I dare anyone to challenge that."

The 2003 General Election and the subsequent Progressive Labour Party rebellion against former Premier Jennifer Smith showed democracy thrived in Bermuda, Mr. Scott said.

"Within 72 hours we had a stable government. I'd like to see any other presidents or prime ministers match that."

Britain and Governor Sir John Vereker have also indicated approval for Government's approach to the issue, the Premier claimed.

"What happened in the past is that average Bermudians were not given the option of a full-blooded educational experience, an informative campaign on Independence."

As for the 1995 debates and subsequent failed referendum on the subject, he said: "That's my point, yes or no? And did they have a BIC (Bermuda Independence Commission) back then? I don't think so.

"We have an independent body out there saying we are neither fish nor fowl, PLP or UBP, for or against, we are just going to provide the facts. That's a pretty fair way of approaching the subject.

"When I talked to the Governor, the British, from what I can understand through him, feel we're going about it in a very fair way, a reasonable way."

Mr. Scott reaffirmed his commitment to open governance and increased media access, saying that once Bermudians better understood how the Island was competing globally, they would appreciate a discussion on Independence.

"As Premier it is my responsibility to point the way we might go," he said. "It doesn't help Bermuda if I follow the crowd.

"When I open up new avenues of thought and possibility for the country it is incumbent on me to do it responsibly, and that's what I think we have done with Independence. We haven't done it recklessly, we haven't thrown the Island into a tailspin, we're just saying now it's time to discuss the components of Independence - those things that will give us insight into what it will mean to remain as we are, a colony, or what it will mean for us to be a nation."