Progressive Labour Party's call to boycott the Independence referendum.

Mr. Eldon Trimingham, who has strongly opposed Independence in public speeches in the past year, took a more neutral tone on the issue in his latest letter to shareholders.

The August 15 referendum marked "the most important decision ever to be taken in the Island's history,'' and a decision in favour of breaking colonial ties with the United Kingdom would be "irreversible'' and "irrevocable,'' he said.

It was a non-partisan national issue which affected everyone, Mr. Trimingham said.

"Because of this we are writing to encourage you to participate in the referendum, thereby demonstrating the responsible way in which Bermudians exercise their democratic rights on issues of major importance.'' He urged voters "to exercise their democratic right to vote and not to be intimidated or dissuaded by those who talk of abstaining''.

Many Bermudians "argued long and hard'' for the franchise, he said.

"Sadly, there are many people in other parts of the world who do not have the privilege of a democratic vote. It is important for each of us as responsible citizens to vote -- whether or not we favour Independence -- so that this momentous decision, once taken, will reflect the choice of a clear majority of Bermudians.'' Mr. Trimingham's letter came soon after a similar appeal from Bank of Butterfield officials -- one which prompted Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade to tell bankers to "keep out of politics''.

Bank of Bermuda president and chief executive officer Mr. Charles Vaughan-Johnson barely touched on Independence in his accompanying letter to shareholders, noting that it was separately covered by Mr. Trimingham.

But he did say there was no doubt that the debate and uncertainty on the outcome of the referendum on Independence'', along with the in creases in Government fees and other costs, "have unsettled international business''.

Mr. Eldon Trimingham