supporters to boycott the polling stations in six days time.

In front of about 150 people gathered in an outdoor meeting at the Francis Patton School the MPs rallied their followers, all saying urgent reforms were needed before Independence could be considered.

They also railed against the UBP, saying it was a split party that would be given the Constitution it wanted by Britain if the people voted for Independence.

The speakers last night were Mrs. Lois Browne Evans, Mrs. Jennifer Smith, Miss Renee Webb and the Rev. Trevor Woolridge. The meeting was called off after about 75 minutes due to rain.

"The racism that is coming to the forefront shows that this Country is not prepared for Independence. The Premier made a mistake by not preparing the people for Independence,'' said Mrs. Browne Evans.

"Then he says if you do not do as I ask I will step down as Premier. He should step down period.'' If the vote favours Independence, a Constitutional Conference would have to be held in London, attended by both parties.

Mrs. Browne Evans added: "When you sit down at the table, if you cannot agree, you move onto the next topic, the system will stay gerrymandered and the poeple divided racially.'' Miss Webb argued that unlike the PLP, the UBP does not have an official position on Independence. "How can a group that does not have an official position ask the Country to follow them?'' She added: "We believe the public has the right to know exactly what they will be voting for before entering a polling station.

"Sir John Swan has told us that given Independence he will deal with problems of equal opportunities, jobs and promotions for blacks. But Sir John has been Premier for 13 years. Why does he need Independence to tackle those problems?''