Continued from Saturday's paper Human Affairs Minister The Hon. Jerome Dill said: "It is time to put aside party political barriers. We are poised on the brink of a truly historical event. We have the opportunity to be mature and bring this discussion to a logical conclusion.'' Government backbencher Mrs. Grace Bell said that the debate on the referendum was intended to assist the public.

"This is an important decision to the people of Bermuda and everyone should come out and vote.

"It is interesting to see how far Bermuda has come since the debate in 1963 when this country discussed universal suffrage. It is refreshing to see the old opinions dying out.'' Mrs. Bell added that she hoped that no one would think that they should not vote.

"The people of Bermuda stated that they wanted more information and Sir John was bold enough to present Bermudians with more information with discussions.

"Sir John should be applauded in this country, it is probably coming quietly and hopefully those people will come and let their voices be heard.'' Mrs.

Bell said that the referendum was for the people to decide, "they can be in charge of their own intellect.

"Over the past few months there has been fear put in the community using bogeyman tactics. Over the years, I have seen Bermudians say they'll wait and see about Independence, or they'll think about it or they want to know the costs and then decide. Many people say they are not fearful of an independent Bermuda and I say go out and vote, exercise the right and be bold about making your decision.'' Government Whip Mr. John Barritt said his concern was as "we move forward, we don't throw out the fundamentals such as discipline, hard work, and sacrifice.

"Is Independence a black and white issue? It could be, and if it is we become off track. However, it appears that according to The Royal Gazette polls it isn't a colour issue.

"We tend to think that different groups will vote a certain way. But, people will decide how they feel and they will have the final say, unless they follow the boycott.

"I hope that everyone turns out so we can get a responding verdict.'' However, Mr. Barritt, who is against Independence, said that voting for Independence would not solve problems. "There needs to be some vision as we go into the future. My concern is that after the flag and the celebration there will be the reality. For those of us who are married and have been married for some time know that there is a honeymoon stage and then reality sets in.

"There is a lack of trust and confidence because of the way the issue has been raised, that is what has fuelled the speculation.'' Mr. Barritt added that people will make up their minds by what is not in the position papers, and they will look at the risk factor and costs.

"These are the things that concern people, and they will also base their opinion on their pocket books and sometimes with their hearts.

"They will ask what are the economic opportunities. People of this country have their own agendas.'' He added that Independence was avoiding the problem. "That is some people's view and it is mine. My X will be going in the No box. There are other methods that people in Bermuda wish us to grasp and get on with.'' Mr. David Dodwell (UBP) said that Bermuda was at the logical step and "there are members of the public who know their opinion.

"The referendum education process is giving Bermudians a true opportunity to be involved in the process. People have different reasons why they are for or against, but it is their personal choice. It might be economic or personal but we must not trivialise their opinions.

"We are giving them the responsibility in their hands.'' Mr. Dodwell also said that abstaining from the vote would be a vote against, so why not just vote No. "At the end of the day we will see an independent country but the question is when is the right time.

"We need to look past August 15 into the future and we need to find a way to live with each other.'' Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul said that this was an emotional issue.

"Mr. Scott did make a case when he said that this was a serious issue. The Green Paper has been issued and discussed and people wanted more information so we have the position papers. The Government is not telling people what to do, we are giving them facts so that Mr. and Mrs. Bermuda can go in the booth and vote.

"Although the Opposition favours the idea of Independence, they do not feel Bermuda should give an opinion and they are telling them not to vote.'' Dr.

Saul asked the Opposition whether they would rethink their opposition slightly and exercise their democratic right.

"I am asking that the Opposition to encourage Bermudians to vote and if they want to abstain they can just put an X through the whole ballad and spoil it.

"This would show the number of concerns for the Opposition party, and the Opposition would then see how solid their support is and how well their campaign has been.''