Premier Alex Scott took the opportunity to discuss Independence for Bermuda, when he met with Jamaica's Prime Minister P.J. Patterson last week.

And, according to a Government Press release, Mr. Scott has promised to keep Prime Minister Patterson, who is also the head of CARICOM, abreast of developments. "We are enjoying an interesting period of discussion around the possibility of sovereignty," he told Mr. Patterson.

Mr. Scott visited Mr. Patterson in Jamaica last week following his tour of the Bermuda Regiment camp at the Up Park Camp facility.

At the meeting, Mr. Patterson also personally invited Mr. Scott to attend this year's CARICOM conference in St. Kitts and Nevis this week.

Mr. Scott confirmed he will be attending the conference, adding that Bermuda sees itself as part of the CARICOM community.

Though Mr. Patterson expressed his desire to work with Mr. Scott, he did voice some concerns about the cost of sending Jamaican athletes to participate in CARIFTA.

Mr. Scott assured him the cost of visas for the athletes, coaches and officials had already been waived, however. When Mr. Patterson quipped that Jamaicans do love gold, Mr. Scott added: "As friends, we are willing to share the gold".