Those who think Bermuda can gain Independence without igniting the emotions of her people are either mischievous or naive, according to Deputy Premier Ewart Brown.

Having experienced first-hand the birth of Jamaica as an independent nation, he recognises there are stark contrasts between the psychology of the two islands, most notably in the way they regard those with rebel tendencies.

But he sees it as the job of Bermuda?s political leaders to provide the emotional spark that will lead Bermudians to seek total ownership of their destiny.

And on the question of whether he might one day fulfil his ambition to lead his Party and the country, Dr. Brown admits that remains his desire but is adamant he will not instigate a move to usurp current Premier Alex Scott.

The Tourism Minister believes he has been wrongly cast as the protagonist behind the 2003 leadership change that removed Premier Dame Jennifer Smith.

In an extensive interview in today?s Dr. Brown also reveals his thoughts on the row over the awarding of a $13 million advertising contract to US-based GlobalHue, the reason for the continuing low profile of the former Club Med site developer and why his personal rating amongst taxi drivers is low.

As a teenager Dr. Brown witnessed the changes that transformed Jamaica from a dependent colony to a fully-fledged nation in 1962. Comparing those events with the Bermuda of today, Dr. Brown said: ?Jamaican history is different. Bermuda does not have a history that lends itself easily to the idea of political independence. In Jamaica the rebel is usually admired. In every Jamaican there is a rebel who will rise up against something, but in Bermuda the rebel is not celebrated. Here the rebel is considered a misfit. We are more obedient and passive.

?Those qualities make the road to Independence more difficult. I often smile when I hear people say they want to take the emotional element out of the work towards Independence. Those people are either mischievous or naive.

?I cannot conceive a struggle for Independence that is without a vibrant, emotional component.?

He added: ?It means the struggle is going to be more difficult. As political leaders we have to recognise that these are the ingredients that we have to bake the cake. We are obliged to light the fires inside Bermudians to help them see that political Independence for humans is comparable to the independence that animals and birds take when they leave the parental home - when they grow up and move out. I see it as a lesson of nature.?

For the moment Dr. Brown remains focused on a drive to re-invigorate Bermuda?s tourism economy and is encouraged by the belief and support being shown by fellow Bermudians.

Successful initiatives have brought low-cost airline JetBlue Airways to the Island with $129 one-way flights from New York starting on May 4. British Airways has stepped up its service with a daily flight from London Gatwick and a renewed marketing drive. While a once-a-week flight from Munich starts in June.

The aim is to bring 400,000 air arrival visitors by 2008.

Dr. Brown says: ?I?m delighted Bermudians are responding to the call to get involved with tourism. And when they see what we have in store for Bermudians and visitors this summer I think even more will come onboard and realise that tourism is a national priority.

?We enjoy the benefits of international business and we welcome the contribution it makes to our Island, but we are painfully aware that a legislative amendment in the US could have a dramatic impact on international business in Bermuda. Therefore we must get tourism back because it is less fragile and it is home-grown.?

That process is underway, according to Dr. Brown who said: ?We had to make a U-turn. We are halfway in that turn. The next phase is a rapid increase in the bed inventory. We have to see how well we handle the load this summer and then we can look to additional gateway cities (for extra flights).?