The United Nations' Special Committee on Decolonisation is sending a mission to Bermuda at the end of the month to assist the Independence Commission and the public in making an informed choice regarding the country's future status.

Committee chairman Julian Hunte said at the weekend that the mission, perhaps the first of its kind to a Non-Self-Governing Territory, would examine political, economic and social developments, listen to various sectors of society and familiarise the members of the Bermuda Independence Commission and the public at large with legitimate political options and the role of the UN's system in the process of self-determination.

"The mission is not going to close a deal on Independence, or commit the United Nations, or represent the Secretary General," he stressed.

"It is going to provide information, inform the population and evaluate the situation. An envisioned interactive approach should maximise the time spent with the people of Bermuda, with the aim of assisting them, as they made an important step towards a full measure of self-government."

Mr. Hunte added that the United Kingdom had been very helpful in organising the meetings between the Bermuda Independence Commission and the Special Committee.

The mission will be made up of Mr. Hunte and representatives of Bolivia, Congo, Dominica, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste, accompanied by three experts and assisted by two staff members of the Secretariat.

The committee's first visit to the Island between March 28 and 31 will involve meeting the members of BIC, led by chairman, Rev. Vernon Lambe, and the public at large in interactive sessions.

Mr. Hunte said the Committee would also use the opportunity to inform BIC of the UN's mandate in the process of decolonisation.

The second visit, from May 30 to June 4, will involve meetings with Premier Alex Scott, parliamentarians and other political figures.

Opposition Leader Grant Gibbons said yesterday that while he was sure the committee was well intentioned in their proposed visit, he doubted they would provide the Island with any legitimate political options regarding Independence Bermuda does not already fully understand.

"And as far as the role of the UN in Bermuda's self-determination, I can't see where it has any role at all. This is a matter to be settled by the people of Bermuda and the United Kingdom government. We're a sophisticated jurisdiction that has already gone through this process as recently as ten years ago without the assistance of the UN," he said.

Dr. Gibbons added that proposals by the UN Decolonisation Committee to visit Bermuda in the 1990s were declined by the United Bermuda Party Government at the time.

"In fact, the whole process started by Premier Scott is now starting to become a circus, which does nothing to enhance Bermuda's international reputation for stability and common sense. The Premier should move immediately to bring certainty to the process once and for all by announcing the Government's support for a referendum, something that clearly has the support of the vast majority of Bermudians as well as the UK government."