May 29, 2011Dear Sir,I would like to answer the question voiced by Walter Lister in the Report from the House in Monday's Royal Gazette. He asks “What does Britain do for you”?The answers are numerous. But first and foremost it connects us with the entire European Community through our EU passports. It enables us to get jobs and education in the UK and anywhere in the Common Market, and anyone who has travelled extensively with a Bermuda passport knows the delays and endless problems this can cause in the many countries that have never heard of Bermuda.It also provides security for overseas companies, who know that in extenuating circumstances, they can apply to the UK for advice and assistance. Independence could see an exodus of these companies, on whom we depend for our livelihood. One does not have to look further than Jamaica to see the disastrous results of breaking ties with the UK; their currency was once almost on par with the US dollar, it is now virtually worthless. This is not to mention the enormous rise in crime.Our ties with Britain also ensure our relationship with our closest neighbour, the United States. Floundering about rudderless in mid-Atlantic would do nothing to enhance our economy or our reputation, and it is comforting to know that the vast majority of Bermudians would have the good sense to vote against Independence, if it should raise its ugly head again in the form of a referendum.E RABENPaget