Bermuda could not only survive but continue to thrive after Independence, Premier Ewart Brown told a Washington audience this week.

And he said America had prospered after splitting from Britain centuries ago as he urged it to help others who wanted to make that step.

Speaking at the Inter-American Economic Council Congressional Dinner with the Caribbean Community on Wednesday he asked the Council to "remember this country's quest for Iindependence when the time comes for us, the remaining Overseas Territories to take our place among the family of nations."

He added: "The clarion call of the naysayer of Independence for us is the loss of stability.

"My history teaches me that since 1776 the United States of America has gone from strength to strength and enjoyed growing stability and high regard at home and abroad.

"My view is that same stability can and will be enjoyed by the peoples of the Overseas Territories when Independence inevitability becomes theirs.

"The difference will be made in the support of our friends in this country who will vouch on the world stage for our soundness of government, our commitment to the rule of law and the natural inclination of all living things to be independent."

Although pro-Independence Dr. Brown has taken the issue off the agenda for the coming election after it was revived by his predesessor Alex Scott.

Last night Opposition leader Michael Dunkley responded: "The Premier just doesn't get it. He has his own agenda on Independence and a host of other issues to which the Bermuda public is very much a secondary consideration.

"His Washington speech reflects that."

Mr. Dunkley said the people of Bermuda did not want Independence at this time.

"They've said it in polling and petitions, loud and clear. But this does not stop the Premier, as the political leader of the country, from flogging Independence before US Congressional leaders and, indeed, asking them for their support.

"We say, if the Premier is so committed to Independence, why doesn't he respect the people of this Island and make his arguments before them? They are the audience that counts, not US Congressmen and Caribbean leaders."