according to a leading figure on the subject.

Chairman of the Committee for Independence Mr. C. Walton Brown spoke of the challenge of Independence to Hamilton Lions this week.

"The issue of Independence always seems to evoke emotional reactions,'' Mr.

Brown said.

"Without a doubt Independence is an important step for our Island but we are convinced it is both desirable and necessary.

"Independence has been discussed sporadically over the past 30 years, and the issue will not go away until such time as it is resolved.'' Mr. Brown defined Independence as the control of one's own destiny to the extent possible in an interdependent world.

"In its essence, it entails the transfer of the reserve powers held by Britain to the Bermuda Government; that is responsibility for external affairs, defence and internal security.'' With Independence, Mr. Brown said Bermuda would be able to govern itself fully, negotiate its own treaties, represent its interests overseas, control its own Police and Regiment and facilitate in the development of long term economic interests.

He added that Independence had been thrust onto the political agenda recently for a number of reasons.

The world is changing drastically, he said. Two major economic blocs have formed -- the North American free trade group and the European economic union.

"We need to get ourselves into a favourable position between the two. Next year when the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade transforms itself into the World Trade Organisation we will be at a distinct disadvantage if we are not able to negotiate in our own right.'' Mr. Brown added: "Our traditional allies, the US and Canada, who are in pursuit of their national interests will soon no longer have a military presence.

"Britain, our Mother Country, is clearly focusing on its future in the European union and is distancing itself from its colonial past.'' He also said that there was a general consensus between the two major parties that we need to stake out a new relationship in this new world order.

"Certainly my committee has argued this point since our formation in 1990.'' Mr. Brown said that under our present colonial status, Bermuda had a British Governor and Deputy Governor appointed by the Queen, which Bermuda paid for plus their assistants. The Governor also controlled the Police force and Regiment, he said.

"We pay for both fully without British assistance. We have a British Dependent Territories Citizenship passport which gives us citizenship in no country, and that includes Britain. We also do not receive a single penny from Britain.

"We must obtain British permission before entering into agreements with other countries and that is only given if it does not conflict British interests.'' Mr. Brown also discussed some of the comments raised by concerned Bermudians about issues relating to Independence such as cost, defence, embassies, passports, visas and citizenship.

"The issues are important and require careful consideration. They can best be addressed when we have strong committed leadership prepared to work selflessly to protect Bermuda's future.

"If ever there was a time to abandon partisan politics the time is now,'' Mr.

Brown said.

"More than any other issue we need to confront the move to Independence through the politics of inclusion rather than the politics of exclusion.

"Our leaders need to give direction, they need to act on sound principles, and they need to put Bermuda first.''