After recent polls reflected that 70 percent of the Island are against Independence the Progressive Labour Party spokesman admitted that Bermudians have not embraced the issue but Government was committed to addressing social issues, which could in turn illustrate that Bermuda is ready to go independent.

Scott Simmons, Government spokesman, said his party was aware that Bermudians have ?not readily attached themselves to the prospect of self determination? and ?do not readily see it as an immediate issue?.

He added that the PLP has always understood where they want the country to be and what needs to be done to get there. He noted that it was ironic that though the public does not seem interested in Independence it has joined the Government ?in waging what we believe is a battle against poverty?.

This includes, providing affordable housing, to develop in a sustainable manner, providing an education policy that demands excellence while leaving no child behind, as well as preserving the environment, he said.

?On the road to determining whether we want self determination for Bermuda, we intend to continue to provide relief to our seniors, work to relieve the arduous task of getting from one place to the other on our roads and tirelessly work with Government House, the Police Service and the community to stem the tide of crime and create an atmosphere, in this Country, where criminals have no place to hide and crime, no place to roam,? he said.

?When we together record continued success in these areas, among others, it is our belief that, having now outgrown our present Constitutions usefulness, all of us in the community will move together to determine our rightful place in the membership of nations.?

Mr. Simmons added that the Government was committed to educating the public further about independence noting that there appears to be an ?independence information vacuum?.

When asked if the party believed that Bermudians would warm to the concept of an independent Bermuda once certain social issues were dealt with Mr. Simmons said: ?One cannot predict what the general public will do once the significant issues facing Bermuda today are dealt with, but we all can acknowledge that these critical issues have managed to rightly capture the public attention.

?Expect for the PLP to continue to manage the affairs of its Party and the Country in the responsible and timely fashion according to the requirements of the entire Bermudian community.?