supporters to undermine the Independence debate, according to a Cabinet Minister.

The Hon. Wayne Furbert, the Minister for Community and Cultural Affairs, spoke out yesterday, saying the referendum was not a "Sir John Swan agenda'', but a decision taken by a majority of Cabinet members.

"We took that decision to the House and the House supported the idea of asking the people of Bermuda about Independence through a referendum,'' he said.

Mr. Furbert said he decided to speak publicly on the issue because he was tired of the attacks being made on Sir John, who, he said, was a "great leader'', responsible for helping to solve many social and economic problems.

He said Sir John created the National Youth Council, dealt with the Island's housing problem, helped bring more black members to the UBP and negotiated a successful tax treaty with the US.

"I look at Independence as enhancing our status to being a full member of the British Commonwealth, rather than having Colonial status. There is a question going around, `Do we want King John or Queen Elizabeth?' -- we want both.

"The anti-Independence group has not come up with a strong enough argument as to why they do not want Independence which is why they are attacking the Premier.'' Mr. Furbert added: "Certain individuals within the UBP and its supporters are attacking the Premier. They say if the referendum is a strong `no' he should resign, but the decision to have a vote was taken by the Cabinet.

"The debate has moved away from the pros and cons of Independence to personal attacks on Sir John because it's felt if you can weaken the leader you can weaken the group.'' After the vote, in August, Mr. Furbert said he believed if it went against Independence, there could be a leadership challenge, although he thought Sir John would win.

He also believes that after the referendum, several key issues had to be tackled, including the question of Bermudian nationality for long-term residents and the question of Bermudians saying they cannot find jobs when they return from college.

In addition, Bermuda had to be "re-trained'' for the 21st Century, ensure the Island's international business was protected and that the education system was "number one''.

"Making personal attacks on Sir John is not doing the Country any good and that is where political instability comes from. Businesses say they have no problem with us going Independent as long as we are politically stable,'' added Mr. Furbert.