Premier Ewart Brown said Bermuda would one day become Independent — and hinted it may not necessarily be through choice.

Speaking to Bermuda College students on Monday, the Premier likened the Island's dependence on the UK to young people living at home with their parents.

Repeating his belief that like every living thing Bermuda should seek independence, he told the audience: "It will come in time. Either we will work our way out of the house, or they will throw us out."

In a question-and-answer session as part of his College Tour, Dr. Brown also pointed to the younger age group's reluctance to break ties with Britain.

"The amazing thing about your age group," he said, "Bermuda I think is the only country where 18- to 34-year-olds are opposed to Independence. In most countries, the Independence movement is spearheaded by people in that age group."

One student suggested the lack of drive to change may stem from the comparative wealth enjoyed by many young people in Bermuda.

Dr. Brown said of those against Independence: "It really concerns me when some of the opponents to Bermuda becoming Independent are themselves from countries that are Independent.

"I'm wondering why is it good enough for you if it's not good enough for us? My general view is that every country should seek self-determination.

"Eventually you grow up and learn to manage your home affairs. We do that in Bermuda.

"We are quite capable and we have more capability than many countries that have sought political Independence. My belief is that one day we will have it."

He said people calling for a referendum were anti-Independence, adding: "Sometimes people raise the question: why don't you call a referendum now? Because I'm not stupid. I would lose. That's not my job, to see that we would lose on an issue like that."

During the session, the Premier also said his team was preparing to present a case to new United States Presiden-elect Barack Obama, who had warned that if elected he would crack down on tax havens.

"President-elect Obama has made it clear that as part of his search for money to fund his ambitious social agenda that he's looking to recover money that's in tax havens," said the Premier.

Dr. Brown said Bermuda is not a tax haven, but that US companies find is useful to operate here because of US tax codes.

He continued: "I believe that President-elect Obama, that his election has been great for the United States and excellent for the world. With respect to Bermuda, time will tell.

"How successful we will be in our relationship with him is yet to be determined. I don't think we should get ahead of ourselves."

He said US companies benefited from being reinsured on the Island after Hurricane Katrina and the September 11 terrorist attacks.

He added: "I think that when they take a more detailed look at Bermuda they will find that yes, companies do make a lot of money in Bermuda, but so do those companies back up companies in the United States.

"I believe we will have a chance to sit and talk with his administration. I'm just confident that we will work something out that's mutually acceptable."

Asked about possible budget cuts in the light of the global economic downturn, Dr. Brown said new Education Minister El James had already identified a way to save money by sending two representatives instead of five to overseas conferences.

"They could come back and report to the people," said the Premier.