Bermuda will have the easiest transition to Independence of any former colony because of the level of sophistication of its people, its mature democracy and its economic success.

That is the claim of former MP and Senator Calvin Smith who joined a panel of speakers at the latest Progressive Labour Party public forum to discuss Independence.

Before an audience of between 40 and 50 people, he said: "Bermuda will have the easiest route to Independence of any previous colony. We have a high standard of living, highly developed industries, a literate and skilled population and a history of good race relations.

"One might ask why risk these advantages by going independent? My answer is that Independence will enhance these advantages provided we continue to develop democratic concepts and protect them once developed."

He said new economic choices and political connections would be opened up to Bermuda's citizens by Independence that would be "impossible, if not extremely difficult" if the country remains subservient to rule from London.

At the third in a series of five Independence roadshows organised by the PLP, Mr. Smith appeared on a four-strong panel alongside Government Minister Walter Lister, lawyer Elizabeth Christopher and young Party member Kenneth Caesar.

The forum was held at St. James' Church in Sandys and was moderated by PLP press officer Scott Simmons.

It had the feel of preaching to the converted, something not lost on Mr. Simmons or speaker Mr. Caesar who urged attendees to go out into the community and speak to others to spread information on the Independence debate.

Mr. Caesar said: "I returned from university this summer and I have spoken to friends about Independence and it seems they are all saying the same thing 'I'm not sure about it, I need to get more information'."

He said decisions need to be made on true and accurate information, adding: "We want people to know the facts, to have the research and dialogue so when the time comes to make a decision they have the information."

Comparing Bermuda to a child that had grown to adulthood after 500 years, he said the Island should be capable of controlling her own affairs and urged the audience not to be afraid to go out and share with others information on Independence.

Second speaker Ms Christopher, who chairs the PLP's constitutional committee, said the country was already showing it can negotiate its way on the international stage and take care of its external relations with other nations regarding treaties and agreements. She said becoming a full-fledged independent nation was "the next logical step".

Mr. Smith stated personal freedom was curtailed when a country did not have its complete independence, and by way of example said the UK had until recent times: "Permitted a pattern of segregation that was outlawed in Britain and the British Caribbean but was acceptable in Bermuda with respect to the ruling minority whom Great Britain fully supported."

It was only following outside pressure from countries such as the former Soviet Union and the USA, as well as from "Bermuda's exploited majority," that the UK signed into law the Human Rights segment of the Bermuda constitution, claimed Mr. Smith.

And he said Bermuda would thrive as its own nation providing she held true to the concepts of liberty, equality, rule of law and a constitutional government.

Minister without Portfolio Walter Lister said no company would elect a board of directors and then ask someone else to make its decisions, something he said was a direct reflection of how Bermuda elected its MPs but the UK remained in ultimate control of some Bermudian affairs, including the Governor retaining power to reject Parliamentary Acts by the elected legislature.

He said Bermuda had not required any financial assistance from the UK since 1870, evidence it can stand on its own, as was the recent diplomatic mission to Washington DC by Premier Alex Scott.

Mr. Lister said: "I do not see why we need Britain to negotiate anything on our behalf because, if there is a conflict of interests, Bermuda is going to end up getting the short end of the stick."

During a question and answer session afterwards it was claimed it costs Bermuda around $1.5m to pay for the upkeep of the Governor, Deputy Governor and Government House.

Premier Alex Scott, who attended the meeting, said there was another cost to being dependent and that was Bermudians feeling they were subjects as opposed to being citizens of a Independent country.

He said once Independent, Bermudians citizens would view young black men and women in the community with greater importance as being a resource for the country to call upon rather than to squander. By being a nation the country would become 'at one' with itself.

Afterwards PLP Senator Walter Roban said: "Our goal is to have quality discussions. There will be another forum at Pennos Wharf in St. George's on the 29th and one at Francis Patton Primary School on July 13.

"We've made contact with churches to invite them and community organisations to hold small meetings on Independence and we will be happy to participate. We are also happy to go to people's homes to answer questions and have discussions."