to the Independence cause.

The taunt came from fiery Shadow Youth and Sport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown.

He told a PLP rally he could not trust Government, and their Independence stance was suspect.

"You don't want a Johnny come lately convert taking you to a place he originally said was a bad destination.'' He also urged people not to bottle up their feelings over Independence.

"There is nothing wrong with feeling good and strong, and emotional about achieving your independence.'' Later Progressive Labour Party leader Mr. Frederick Wade urged Bermudians to battle against Independence being decided by a referendum.

"You should reject a referendum and insist on an election.'' Mr. Wade went on to urge people to lobby their MPs, and support PLP Independence rallies.

But he stressed the Opposition had not decided how to recommend their supporters to vote in a referendum.

The prospect of urging people to vote "no'' could not be ruled out -- despite the party's historical pro-Independence stance.

Mr. Wade revealed some of the party's Independence policies. These included: Support for Bermuda remaining a monarchy within the Commonwealth following Independence; and Ruling out dual citizenship after Independence.

"We want people to commit themselves to Bermuda,'' said Mr. Wade.

Mr. Wade continued by taking a swipe at the Bermuda Broadcasting Company for showing favour to Government on Independence.

He said the PLP had not been able to get its message across on the TV station.

More than 100 people flooded into the Leopards Club in Cedar Avenue for last night's meeting.

The forum was the first of a series of five "New Beginning'' public meetings on Independence.

PLP Warwick East candidate Mr. Calvin Smith said Independence was "too important'' an issue to be decided by a simple "yes'' or "no'' vote in an referendum.

"Too much is at stake,'' he declared.

Mr. Smith said among the factors which Bermuda needed to address was possible racial strife after Independence.

Bermudians' expectations about running their own affairs would be very high.

It might lead to problems if the majority of the Country -- the blacks -- still did not have power to make their hopes for change succeed.

Shadow Labour Minister Mr. Alex Scott said most countries within the British Empire had to fight for Independence.

But Bermuda was only moving towards Independence because the Premier was "upset'' about the British pulling out of HMS Malabar.

Mr. Scott emphasised the importance of Bermuda doing its homework before Independence.

"We are talking about putting B in Bermuda. Let us be a nation, not a colony.

This is our land. But we must do it right.'' Mr. Scott questioned the United Bermuda Party's motivation for Independence.

"Why are we making this ungodly rush.'' Mr. Scott said there had been no mention of Independence in the UBP's election platform.