Bermuda must fix its race problem before it tackles independence said Premier Ewart Brown — but he has not yet ruled it out for the forthcoming election.

Speaking to the Caribbean Media Corporation he said race was a huge factor in Bermuda.

And he added: "That's one of the things that has to be fixed before we can have a fair and reasonable vote on independence.

"People in the past have tied race to the success or failure of independence."

Elaborating on the remarks to local media this week he said independence is a natural evolution politically.

"And one day, I believe, Bermuda will have political independence."

He said he hadn't decided on whether splitting from Britain would be on the election agenda.

"But my position is the same as it was last October/November which was that this whole Independence issue needs to be handled in such a way that will ensure victory in whichever method is chosen to get the will of the people. So timing is very important.

"Those of us who are pro-Independence can not afford to lose again. And so next time we go, we have to go with the intention and the ability to win."

Dr. Brown said he had not decided whether the issue will be decided by a referendum or by a general election or by a combination of both.

He said: "We haven't even talked about the methodology. But whatever method is chosen though it will be very democratic."