The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce is giving its member companies a chance to weigh in on the Independence debate.

Immediate past president Charles Gosling, in prepared comments, said the Bermuda Independence Commission (BIC) had approached the body to invite members to present a statement of their views on the issue, to raise questions or concerns on the economic implications of leaving the Commonwealth.

A debate on Independence was sparked seriously for the first time in close to a decade shortly after Premier Alex Scott took over leadership of Government in July, 2003.

The Island voted down a move to go that way during a 1995 Referendum under the ruling party at the time, the United Bermuda Party (UBP).

The renewed debate opened by the PLP may not however be decided in a special vote like last time, with Government saying it might have it be decided in a General Election.

The BIC, which was established by the Premier, has held several public meetings on the matter and now the Chamber will hold its forum on May 12 at 8.30 a.m.

?It is obvious the Chamber had to participate in some manner,? Mr. Gosling said.

Although he said some members have wanted the Chamber to take a position on whether the Island should go Independent or not, it was felt that would not properly embody the many interests of its stakeholders.

?We can however present this forum which will allow each member, if they so choose, to have immediate contact with the Commission to present their case or have their concerns addressed.?

Mr. Gosling said it was critical that companies participate in this process as silence could be misinterpreted.

He said he was not putting a negative or positive slant on the subject, merely saying all voices needed to be heard and particularly the views of the business community were being sought in this forum with its focus on the economics of independence.

?This will have a long-term affect on each business on the Island and will present a clear break from the past, distinct enough for a new measuring point from which all economic performances will be measured.

?Business cannot rely on their friend or competitor to present their case, nor can directors of a company divest themselves from their public fiduciary duties of ensuring the economic well-being of their shareholders because this is a political issue. Nor can the employers stand back from their responsibility to their current or future employees.?

Mr. Gosling said although the Chamber?s presidency had been assumed by Schroders chief Peter Everson, he had agreed to take on this one last task.

?It was felt at the management committee level that it would not be fair on our incoming president to have this as his first issue to take on. He is not a Bermudian by birth, nor is the company he represents a Bermuda company.?

Mr. Gosling said he very much hoped the international business community would be part of the debate, saying the sector had the ?right to represent themselves in the public arena?.

?This is something called free speech and it would be a sign of maturity on our part to accept it as such.

?Bermudians as a birthright have the vote, we are truly blessed if we are able, through such other rights as free speech, to cast an educated vote when upon to do so.?