The Premier has told reporters in the Cayman Islands that Independence is his goal for Bermuda, but timing is essential in order to successfully realise it.

Dr. Ewart Brown spoke on his stance on Independence following the Caribbean Overseas Territories meeting this week.

According to the Caymanian Compass newspaper, Dr. Brown said: “It is a matter of timing and political sense as to when that issue is put before the electorate. It is my personal belief that all living things should seek to be independent. Those people who would like to see such a vote (for Independence) or other method lose, would like to rush into it tomorrow. Those of us who would like to see it succeed, will take our time and try to choose the correct time.”

Dr. Brown made no mention of his remarks in his address to the House of Assembly yesterday, and did not respond to a request for comment by The Royal Gazette. However, he told yesterday’s protest by young Bermudians — organisers of which said they were anti-Independence — over the Bermuda Housing Corporation scandal: “I am a supporter of Independence but on that we will have to agree to disagree.”

There were fears Dr. Brown would push for Independence after he threatened to “suspend further business” with Governor Sir John Vereker over the leaked Police dossier which claimed he was among several ministers questioned over allegations of corruption at the BHC.

Dr. Brown accused Sir John of failing to protect the file and said he should be responsible for finding the source of the leak.

Although the potential crisis subsided, the row left many unsure of his intentions.

Before assuming the role of Premier last October, Dr. Brown stated that Independence was a key objective, but he has also indicated it would not be an initial focus of his leadership.

Speaking to the Caribbean Media Corporation in Trinidad in March, Dr. Brown said: “You might know that in 1995 there was a referendum in Bermuda that actually failed — people voted against Independence.

“Of course, my party abstained, but when we go again we will win and we cannot risk the chance that we would lose the vote for Independence.

“Undoubtedly for me, Independence is inevitable. Bermuda will not be isolated in that regard. Our political development says that one day our country will be politically independent.”

Independence was first reviewed in a discussion paper to the House of Assembly in 1977. It was later taken up by United Bermuda Party Premier John Swan, whose bid for Independence was lost in a referendum in 1995. An independent survey for The Royal Gazette <$>in March revealed two-thirds of people oppose the idea. Up to 65 percent were against breaking ties with the UK, 22 percent were in favour, and 13 percent were unsure.

In his summary of this week’s Caribbean Overseas Territories conference to the House yesterday, Dr. Brown described it as a “successful and productive” meeting. He said leaders drew up plans for a mutual witness protection programme and forensic investigation.

The meeting was held as a preliminary for the annual Overseas Territories conference, to be held in London in December.

At last year’s event, representatives agreed to hold sessions ahead of the conference to determine agenda items and joint positions on issues of mutual concern.

Dr. Brown met last week with leaders of the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, the Cayman Islands and Montserrat.

He told the House that Bermuda’s Ferry Project had been “hailed as a regional success story” and that “it was most interesting to note how similar our issues as Overseas Territories are”.

The Premier said: “Honourable members may be interested to know that the reluctance of witnesses to testify in criminal cases is not unique to Bermuda. I have returned from Cayman with a draft bill for the consideration of Cabinet on some mutual criminal justice issues of which witness protection is just one.

“The meeting also considered the development of first-class, regional forensic capability. Presently, many cases are prejudiced in their speedy disposition by the significant delays in waiting for results for crime labs as far afield as Canada, Australia and the UK. We committed to furthering the development of a regional forensics facility to which we would all have access and to ensure a swifter turnaround in the return of results.”

Dr. Brown said “the sensitive issue of immigration, work permits and term limits” was also discussed by those present, in terms of striking a balance between “the need for expatriate labour and the rights of their own citizens”.

“I was also pleased to submit for the consideration of the meeting the development of certain healthcare linkages for the Overseas Territories,” said Dr. Brown.

“I urged thorough examination of the regional system of healthcare to determine how best the linkages might benefit them.”

Other topics discussed included waste management and enhancing sea and air travel.