proposals to reduce the reserved powers of Governors is an interesting new twist.

Of all the changes, the reports that the Governors will lose their plumed hats and uniforms may carry the heaviest symbolism -- but in the long run, changes to the Governor's responsibilities will have the most effect on the Island.

Because Bermuda already enjoys a higher level of autonomy than the other dependent territories, especially those in the Caribbean, the Island is likely to experience the least change.

The Governor of Bermuda is in charge of the Police and the Bermuda Regiment and he also has powers of appointment of several important posts which are supposed to be politically neutral, including the Attorney General, the Commissioner of Police, the Commanding Officer of the Regiment and the Public Service Commission.

But he (or she) cannot override legislation except possibly on Constitutional grounds and he cannot impose law from above.

He does of course have certain emergency powers -- in the event of civil unrest, it is the Governor, on the advice of the Government, who declares a state of emergency.

It is probable that the Governor's exercise of his powers has from time to time been a source of frustration to elected governments in Bermuda.

Indeed, Lord Waddington's decisions to bring in a non-Bermudian Commissioner of Police (with the support of the then-Government) and to refuse to postpone the Independence Referendum caused unhappiness in different sectors of the community. And more recently, Governor Thorold Masefield's reported refusal to "retire'' the existing Public Service Commission will have irritated the current Government.

But having a Governor with certain reserved powers is important, both as an outward symbol of the Island's stability and as a guarantor to minorities of all kinds and beliefs that their welfare will be protected.

In the event that an elected Government becomes overwhelmingly arrogant and begins to go outside its rights and responsibilities, the Governor is there as the final check when all other checks and balances have failed.

It is to be hoped that the Governor never has to use these powers -- but it is equally important that they be there.

Bermuda should have as much autonomy as it needs to ensure that the best interests of Bermudians are served. But Bermuda will have to decide if any further changes -- short of Independence -- are necessary, or if the current framework suits the Island's needs.