backing a split from Britain.

On Tuesday, this paper carried the results of a survey of those intending to vote in the August 15 referendum. This showed 64 percent were opposed to Independence, 17 in favour, and 19 undecided.

Today, The Royal Gazette releases the findings of a second poll -- this one reflecting the views of all registered voters, irrespective of whether they intend taking party in the referendum. In it, 58 percent currently disagreed with Independence, 19 were for, and 23 had not made up their minds.

An identical 1994 poll produced comparable percentages of 57, 21 and 22.

In the black community, 45 percent this year said "no'' to Independence at this time, while 26 replied "yes'', and 29 placed themselves in the "don't know'' bracket.

People of other colours, including white, were overwhelmingly against severing links with Britain.

Eighty-six percent replied "no'', three said "yes'', and 11 were undecided.

Voters were also asked: Do you think that you have enough information available to you to make a decision on Independence at this time? While 30 percent replied "yes'', 67 percent felt inadequately informed.

Blacks were most hungry for further information -- 74 percent calling for more details. Only 22 felt sufficiently educated.

In contrast, 48 percent of whites believed they had a good enough handle on the issue to make a decision; 52 percent felt otherwise.

Topping the list of areas in which voters felt they needed more information were currency, the economy, financial matters, and the political and legal implications.

As with Tuesday's survey, this one was carried out over the telephone by American market research and consulting firm Urban & Associates.

The results of the study were based on interviews with 489 registered voters.

The sampling error is plus or minus three to five percentage points, while that for a more detailed breakdown of the statistics is higher. For instance, the sampling error for splits between men and women, and the races, is plus or minus four to seven percentage points, and that for age segments is plus or minus seven to 10 points.

Again, the survey took into account where respondents lived, their ages, genders, and races.

Broadly speaking the findings do not differ greatly from those in Tuesday's poll.

On the question whether voters believed the pros and cons of Independence should be explored at this time, 69 percent said "yes'', 22 "no'', and nine "don't know''. Men were more adamant on this than women.

Seventy-four percent of men felt such exploration should go ahead; the percentage for women was 64.

Another key question was: Would you vote on a referendum on Independence? Sixty-nine percent said "yes'' -- the category of voters focused on in Tuesday's poll -- and 16 replied "no'', while 15 remained unsure.

The 45 to 54 year-olds were most adamant about voting, with 79 percent vowing to take part in the referendum.

Next in line were the 18 to 34-year-olds, of which 76 percent said they would vote.

The percentages for the other age categories were: 66 (35-44); 59 (55-64); and 53 (65 plus).