The role of the Governor in Bermuda is not static, said Governor Sir John Vereker at the Foundation for Bermuda Studies inaugural lecture series, last night.

Sir John spoke on the ?The Changing Role of Colonial Governors? and was joined by former Canadian Attorney General Brian Smith Q.C. who presented a lecture on the evolution of the Canadian Constitution and the use of the referendum.

Sir John remained steadfast that the future of a Governor?s role would be apparent if Bermuda remains a British colony.

?We will display a marked reluctance to stand idly by if things appear to be going wrong, as from time to time they will even in the best ordered place. But we will be motivated by nothing more complex than a determination to do what is right and best for Bermuda,? he told the crowd of approximately 30 people at the Bermuda College.

The role of Governor is ?to protect certain key values, such as independence of the judiciary, the political impartiality of the public service, integrity in the administration of justice and the standards of governance that are expected in democratic societies?, he explained.

He added if Bermuda remained a colony, the current Government structure would still remain the same.

?Under unchanged Constitutional circumstances, I do not believe the limits to the role of the Governor as I have described them will change.

?There is no intention on the part of the British Government, and no likelihood, that the successful evolution of a largely internally self-governing jurisdiction will be rolled back. It would require an astonishing loss of competence on Bermuda?s part, and an equally astonishing loss of confidence on the UK?s part, for that even to be contemplated.?

But he remained clear that the Governor?s role would continue to be evolved as necessary to react to situations.

He said society has changed in Bermuda by ?the effect of the 1968 Constitution, and the ever-increasing degree of integration of Bermuda into the wider world that has been brought about by the forces of globalisation?.

World events and technology have also changed the face of how a Governor performs his duties, he said.

He explained: ?Within these limits, however, lies a pretty wide range. In external relations, with for instance the United States or the World Trade Organisation, it would be possible to stand aside, or to offer to help. ?Counter-terrorism, human rights, responsible environmental management, could be pursued lackadaisically or diligently. A wise Governor will judge carefully where his value added lies, and will also take careful account of the likely local reaction to judge whether he is pressing too hard against the limit of acceptable intervention.?

He added that he is one of the first Governors to use a cellphone and work in front of a computer screen.

With the changing role of the Governor, Sir John said an extensive knowledge of current issues is important.

The second speaker of the evening, Mr. Smith said that after two failed referendums on the future of Quebec, many in Canada realised that ?referendums are not the best?.

?They?re very divisive and when they fail nothing happens after them. No one wants to talk about it for about ten years,? he said.

He noted that when it comes to independence it is all or nothing.

But he said: ?That shouldn?t be the case, there should be a sounder way that you could move towards that goal and get there gradually. Surely, you could negotiate, you could move step by step.

?Why does it have to be by the British rules. Why can?t you decide what you want and go and negotiate.?

He added that it is difficult for people from a far to always understand a countries internal affairs.