THE Government should find out quickly how British citizenship might be retained for Bermudians, should the island go Independent, according to the Bermuda Independence Commission (BIC).

That was one of the recommendations the BIC listed in its lengthy report, published yesterday.

In a letter to the BIC, Governor Sir John Vereker had made it clear that the UK would be likely to pull passports from those Bermudians without family ties to Britain, in the scenario of an Independent Bermuda.

BIC spelled out the advantages of UK citizenship, which include the right to live and work in EU countries. And in its conclusions, it stated: "The Government should explore, as a matter of urgency, how British citizenship, for those without residual connection to the UK, might be retained, should Bermuda proceed to Independence."

The six recommendations also include that the Government should "engage in a dialogue" with the people on Independence. It adds: "In doing so, the Government should lay out, for the people of Bermuda, its proposals with regard to the type of government and constitution, and all related matters."

BIC also urged the Government to consult with international businesses to "remove uncertainties" and ensure that "myth is separated from reality".

The report focuses on racial divisions in the community and recommends a process of "truth and reconciliation" to achieve social unity.

BIC added that Bermuda should obtain a comprehensive list of the island's international treaty obligations from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and also conduct a review of the international opportunities that Independence might bring.