Governor Sir John Vereker has reiterated his warning that whatever potential benefits Independence might bring, it is by no means the panacea to Bermuda?s ?deep rooted? social problems.

Addressing politicians and dignitaries at the annual Speaker?s Dinner held at the Southampton Princess on Saturday night, Sir John repeated it was the ?assumption? of the British government that a referendum would be the ?right way? of establishing whether Independence is supported by a majority.

Nonetheless, the Governor echoed the sentiments of the Bermuda Independence Commission by urging Bermudians to keep an open mind on the topic.

?At the end of this process we surely all want to see a more united society rather than a more divided one,? he said.

?Those on each side of the debate have a duty to understand the arguments of the other. The advocates of Independence need to recognise that there are real concerns about the balance of costs and benefits. The advocates of the status quo need to understand that for many Bermudians, Independence is the natural culmination of decades of responsible self-government.?

See Page 4 for the full text of the Governor?s speech