?The mere mention of Independence is a problem? Alex Scott is reported to have admitted in a speech during his recent trip to Cayman.

While making it clear that he did not wish to comment on how the Cayman Islands should ?evolve? its constitution, he cautioned that special attention should be paid to the business sector, reported the local media.

Mr. Scott, who spoke at the People?s Progressive Movement (PPM) Annual Conference on February 18 said that Cayman, like Bermuda, was ?dependent on the international business sector, and this sector is wary of change.?

While devoting most of his presentation to discussing Bermuda?s constitution, he also highlighted how the Progressive Labour Party had brought the discussion of Independence to the table.

?We are wrestling with the question of Independence and the mere mention of Independence is a problem,? he is reported to have said.

He urged that Cayman should carry out constitutional development in discussion with the business sector because any change may have an effect on standards of living. ?When a society thinks it necessary to meditate on its constitution, each citizen should stand up, pay attention and participate,? Mr. Scott added. The Premier spoke of Bermuda having one of the most advanced constitutions of the overseas territories, and therefore having the label ?The Bermuda Model? attached to it.

However, he is reported to have commented that the document only gave the appearance of Independence.

?You will always have a colonial constitution until you have your own. The Bermuda model is not a panacea,? he said.