Independence is a dead issue.

Ms Gordon vowed she would respect the result of the Independence referendum.

"I will not be bringing that issue forward,'' she declared.

Her pledge came during an interview on BBC television's World Business Report.

The 15-minute programme -- watched by Cable TV viewers -- aired at 5.15 p.m.

Bermuda time on Channel 8. There were several repeats.

Also during the interview with New York-based World Business Report journalist Richard Quest, Ms Gordon was challenged about her speedy rise up the political ladder.

Mr. Quest said some people were left wondering who was "behind the throne'' pulling the strings.

Ms Gordon, however, countered: "Anyone who knows me could tell you very clearly that Pamela Gordon is behind the throne.'' She added she was prepared to seek help and advice when necessary, but stressed: "At the end of the day the decision-making is mine.'' Ms Gordon went on to voice her concern at Bermuda's drug scourge.

She said drugs appeared to be a particular problem in small communities, including those in the Caribbean.

In countries with a "finite land mass'', certain people looked to drugs for recreational reasons. The problem then went deeper, she added.

Yesterday's programme also featured interviews with former Premier Sir David Gibbons, Royal Gazette Editor David L. White, Tourism Minister David Dodwell and his Shadow counterpart David Allen.

Mr. White said tourism declined when Bermuda started taking the industry for granted.

At the same time as this complacency, prices were going up while standards dropped, he added.

Mr. Allen traced the decline to the 1970s and '80s when Bermuda began resting on its laurels.

Mr. Quest put it to viewers that there had been a "stunning lack of investment'' in Bermuda's tourism, with no new hotel since the '70s.

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