DEMOCRACY, as I understand the word, refers to government by the people; a society ruled by the majority.

Despite evidence to the contrary, it is a form of government I assumed was still in place on this island until I read The Royal Gazette on Monday. In that issue, Progressive Labour Party (PLP) Senator Walter Roban expressed what I hope is not the Government's view.

Speaking in response to a recent poll which found 70 per cent of voters opposed to breaking ties with the United Kingdom, Sen. Roban stated: "We understand people may not be comfortable with making the move towards full sovereignty.

"But as we stated before, if the PLP were just satisfied with having approval of the things that people have a position on then we would not be around.

"There are some things we feel strongly upon that we feel will enhance and make Bermuda better for everyone."

The Senator made his comments after an article appeared in this newspaper claiming that PLP spokesperson Scott Simmons had hinted the Party is prepared to ditch the Independence debate in light of public opposition.

Sen. Roban denied such was the case, insisting: "The issue of Independence is as important as a number of other issues we have brought to the forefront that deal with discussions about the future of Bermuda.

"Sustainable development is part of it, ongoing infrastructure issues such as the new hospital and new bridge for the Causeway, these are all issues of importance to the future of the country and Independence is in with those. So will Independence have a backburner position? No. It will be discussed in the vein of our continuing development as a country."

Discussed? Or pushed down our throats? With 70 per cent of voters opposed, Independence will make Bermuda better for whom? A political party which has thrown democracy out the window? Or the rest of us who will remain beholden to its whims unless we have a second passport as a means of escape? Sen. Roban's tone was reminiscent of the infamous quote by his colleague, Sen. David Burch, to the Opposition: "You don't get it. We don't care what you think."

So many years on, so little has changed, except now the disregard extends to the people.

One then understands the frustrations voiced by Pat Ferguson in a Letter to the Editor of the daily. She formed part of the group Bermudians for Referendum, which traversed the island collecting signatures from residents demanding Government hold a referendum on the issue rather than make a determination via General Election.

"Mr. Editor, 15,000 people signed a petition for a referendum to vote yes or no on the issue of Independence and it was presented to Government almost a year ago," she wrote. "If this Government was listening, then 15,000 people should have heard from them by now.

"If Government was listening, instead of putting Independence on the backburner as stated in the Mid-Ocean News yesterday, they would take the pot off the stove altogether and trash it and, in its place, Government would hold a referendum before any General Election so that the people can decide what they want."

Sen. Roban, also Junior Transport Minister, insisted that the PLP intends to push forward with its plan, certain that churches, community groups and other organisations will eventually hold meetings to weigh up the pros and cons of Independence.

"We intend to use radio perhaps as another medium to have discussions where people can listen in," he said in suggesting how the Party might encourage discussion.

The word kleptocracy was recently drawn to my attention, pointed out by someone who thought it applicable to certain practices of the current Government. For those who aren't aware, the word is a combination of kleptomania and democracy, its definition a melange of the urge to steal and the rule of society.

My friend came upon it in the Urban Dictionary. An online resource of slang, it described kleptocracy as "a system of government characterised by rampant corruption and misallocation of funds".

I think there are few who could honestly argue that an Independent Bermuda is vital to the island's successful development. And I am pretty sure the majority, if not all voters who fall in the 70 per cent category, would consider it "rampant corruption" and a "misallocation of funds" should the public purse be used to further that cause.