The Bermuda Independence Commission public meetings will start next week, with the first one scheduled on Thursday, March 24 at the Warwick Workman's Club.

The commission will be taking written and oral submissions at the meeting. Yesterday chairman Bishop Vernon G. Lambe requested that all oral submissions be made from two to five minutes maximum. "We respectfully request that your deportment and submission would be on the highest level."

The BIC also called again on Bermudians to keep their minds open during the information-gathering process.

"One of the best hopes we would have is that for a period of time, if people would simply back away from entrenched positions and say, 'I am open to information, I'm open to facts. And then, based on that information and those facts, when and if asked to make a decision I will make a decision'," commissioner Mike Winfield said at a press conference yesterday.

Members of the Bermudians for Referendum group will be welcomed at the meetings, Rev. Lambe said ? and can pass their petitions around also.

The BIC updated the media on its progress to date at the press conference yesterday, outlining discussions with the US State Department and the UN on issues such as US pre-clearance and visa privileges (which would not be substantially affected by an Independent Bermuda). More details can be found on the BIC website, www.bermudaindependencecommission.bm.

Rev. Lambe also outlined a series of questions aimed at UN Special Committee of 24 (the Decolonisation Committee, SC-24).

"The Special Committee would consider providing guidance in the development of a public education programme on issues related to Independence, with the concurrence of the UK Government," SC-24 chairman Julian Hunte wrote.

"The UN has a broad range of programmes and activities through its main organs and their subsidiary bodies, as well as through the specialised agencies which are more sectoral-specific.

"Such benefits as technical assistance, multilateral assistance, and other considerations would be substantial and meaningful, and would be determined based on the individual UN agency concerned."

The UN is paying for the SC-24's visit to Bermuda, Rev. Lambe said. "The SC-24's work programme for non self-governing territories is a step-by-step guide in the process, possibilities and protocol toward determining readiness for the transition to self-governance."

The work programme will be on the BIC website, Rev. Lambe said.

The BIC also dispelled several myths yesterday.

Bermuda does not receive any subsidies from the UK Government, Rev. Lambe said, while a fact-finding trip to the US ? 20 meetings in five days, two cities for four people ? cost less $10,000, not the majority of $30,000.

Currently members of the BIC are overseas on a fact-finding mission with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK, as well as in Brussels, Rev. Lambe said yesterday.