Progressive Labour Party, it does seem that we will have a commission of inquiry into Independence, followed by a referendum. While we have some questions about the purpose which led to this inquiry, we think that on balance it is the correct way for Bermuda to proceed with public consideration of Independence.

The purpose of the inquiry should be the presentation of the pros and cons of Bermuda going independent. These pros and cons should be presented to the people in as straightforward and uncluttered a way as possible. It may be that the inquiry should be broadcast or televised as a public service. There should be absolutely no politicking and there should be no attempt by the commission to sway Bermudians one way or the other. Every effort should be made during commission hearings to prevent people with an agenda using the commission as a platform to sway the people. The commission should deal in the facts and just the facts leaving the people to make up their own minds. This is an issue of general importance to all Bermudians and should be handled in as neutral a way as Bermuda can manage.

There is a danger that an inquiry set up by those who favour Independence might be there to convince the people of the desirability of Independence.

That would be totally wrong. In order for the inquiry to function properly, it will have to have a chairman and members who are as nearly neutral as Bermuda can achieve. Anyone who has held political office should not be considered nor should anyone who has ever been a political candidate.

We must also be careful not to have an inquiry which is divided among the political parties with a supposedly neutral chairman. That would only cause the party representatives to argue their points and use the commission as a political platform. The point of the commission is public information and not judgment or input from the commission members.

There are people in Bermuda with a reputation for neutrality. Some are Bermudian and some are not Bermudian but know Bermuda well.

The retired head of the Bermuda College, Dr. Archibald Hallett, comes to mind as eminently suitable as a chairman. He is a man of integrity and great intellectual capacity. Dr. Hallett's huge contribution to Bermuda in terms of creating a respected college with high standards should never be underestimated.

Former Chief Justice Sir James Astwood is a real possibility as chairman. Sir James is known for his own independence and his no-nonsense approach. He was known for his high standards on the bench and for great personal integrity.

If it is thought desirable to have a non-Bermudian Chairman, then Mr. Justice Harvey DaCosta, probably the leading legal mind on the Court of Appeal, is due consideration. He is a long-time Bermuda resident.

These are only suggestions and the possibilities are much wider. The important thing is that the commission be independent and stick to the facts.