yesterday.

It was fixed to produce a losing result and would waste the taxpayers' money, he charged.

The Premier was commenting on an amendment by Independent Sen. Alf Oughton that would ensure a referendum on Independence be decided by at least 50 percent of eligible voters, not simply a majority of people who actually vote.

The Senate-approved amendment to the Referendum Act, which could come before the House of Assembly on May 6, is shaping up as a test of the Premier's grip on power.

A Royal Gazette story two weeks reported UBP MPs angry with his handling of the Independence issue.

And there are indications some may abstain or vote against their party's position, thus endangering its slim majority.

Yesterday, Sir John was resolute in defending the referendum plan. And he warned any interruption to the process already begun would be an injustice to Bermuda.

"It's essential it proceed,'' he said. "It would be most unfortunate for Bermuda itself if this democratic and educational process on such an important subject is prevented.

"It would be a disservice to Bermuda both in the short-term and the long-term.'' The Premier said he was not surprised at negative reactions within his own party to the plan.

"Any change is threatening to people and we are in a sea of change,'' he said. "There are people who feel very strongly about Independence and that clouds the process. My hope is that people will let the information process take place.

"We've been running around saying this is the information era, this is the age in which people need lots of information so they can make good decisions about their lives and themselves. And now we get an opportunity to do it (through the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry on Independence) and they want to cut it off.'' Sir John said Bermudians want some understanding about the direction and destiny of the Island, whether as a dependent or independent country.

He cited a recent Royal Gazette poll that found that 58 percent of registered voters believed the pros and cons of Independence should be considered.

Bermudians were grappling with the nature of their country, he said, and trying like never before to come together as one people.

"What we're seeing basically is a new Bermuda emerging,'' he said.

"I can tell you now that never in the history of my career in politics have I seen so many people discussing the importance of us getting together and reconciling our differences.

"We should not attempt to stop that process. It would do an injustice to our society.'' Sir John said many critics of the Independence initiative want to maintain the status quo because they were doing relatively well.

He challenged them to recognise what was happening in Bermuda.

"I'd like to hear what they're going to do to contribute to the social well-being of our society.'' He also rejected criticisms the Independence initiative had derailed Government's focus on governing.

"I would say that Government's inititatives are probably more focused today than they've been for a very long time. The reason is simple: it has clear objectives. For example the bases handover is being tracked and worked on.

It's being done quietly. The proper committees have been set up and they are going about their job.

The Blueprint is moving through the system itself. It's a five-year plan...

The incinerator is nearly finished, the new prison is opening shortly, we're setting up of system of job retraining, the economy is up, tourism is up, the new cruise passenger terminal is on way, our education pans are moving ahead.

"Look around the the Country itself, it's clean, it's healthy. Tell me what other Government is doing this. It's all being done.'' Sir John said he was not worried over the vote on the Senate amendment.

Government had a "moral responsibility'' to follow through on the original legislation it passed.

"There is no question in my mind that the Government is proceeding with this.

After all we did take the matter to Parliament in the first place.'' He said he found Sen. Oughton's motion inconsistent with the principle and spirit of the existing law regarding voter registration.

"We have a law on the books saying you're required to register to vote. We don't have a law on the books requiring people to vote. But he's saying you still need 51 percent of the people eligible for voting to produce a result.

It's an affront to our whole democratic system.

"It's also a waste of the taxpayers money to have them go out and vote on something which you know can only produce one result. That would be a waste and totally irresponsible on the part of Government.'' Sir John said the Government recognised there was "no sense'' trying for constitutional change in the UK on the basis of a small referendum turnout.

"The Government will be acting responsibly,'' he said.