Government has a clear mandate to provide Bermudians with the necessary tools to decide on Independence ? and until those tools are in hand no further discussion is required, Premier Alex Scott has said.

After an article by former Caribbean diplomat Sir Ronald Saunders appeared on Caribbean Net News last week questioning why Bermuda would want to go Independent in light of global trends, Premier Scott was asked to respond to the sudden international interest in the debate. The Washington-based academic group Council on Hemispheric Affairs (www.coha.org) has also produced articles regarding Independence in Bermuda.

?While many continue and may continue to weigh in on the subject of the method by which Bermudians may or may not choose Independence, the Government has made it clear that it will provide the people of this country with the requisite tools to make an informed decision,? he responded via an e-mail from Director of Communications and Information Beverle Lottimore.

?Until that effort has been completed there is no further discussion required. The Bermuda Independence Commission and its work will not be usurped by external opinions on what we should or should not do.

?Bermudians are quite capable of choosing their destiny and though all opinions may be heard, the final decision will not come from the outside but from within. Bermudian opinions are what we must ultimately hear.?

The BIC, whose first monthly report to Cabinet was tabled in the House of Assembly last week and in the Senate yesterday, is expected to hold a press conference this week further updating the public on its activities so far.