The leader of the Opposition yesterday laid down his Party's policies for Independence but again stressed Bermuda should not sever links with Britain before embarking on major electoral reforms.

Mr. Frederick Wade launched the PLP's Independence Policy Paper which deals with issues ranging from electoral reform, citizenship, the appointment of public officers, the legal system and defence and internal security.

He stressed the next election would be fought on a platform of electoral reform and the question of Independence decided at a general election if the PLP were in power.

"We in the PLP see eventual Independence for Bermuda as a culmination of steady and solid reform, not simply a cosmetic way-station on that route,'' said Mr. Wade.

The PLP believes Bermuda should remain as an independent member of the Commonwealth represented by a Bermudian Governor-General, appointed by the Prime Minister.

Various Commissions, operating without political bias, would be established to oversee the appointment of public officers such as in the judicial and legal systems and the Police.

The Privy Council in England would be kept as the ultimate court of appeal in an Independent Bermuda.

On external affairs, the PLP says it will take a "cautious approach'' but will try and operate a "lean and mean'' operation by making use of the concept of honourary consuls where possible.

The Party also recognises the need that any overseas budget would include subscriptions to the Commonwealth and United Nations. It would also negotiate for Bermuda Nationals to be represented by UK embassies abroad.

On defence and internal security, the PLP would enhance the role of the Bermuda Regiment giving it a maritime capability to help fight drug imports and violations by foreign fishing vessels.

People currently holding Bermudian status by birth or grant will be offered Bermudian citizenship, although granting of citizenship would be "exercised with greatest restraint'' to protect the rights of Bermudians.

People who have been on the Island for many years, who do not have Status but who have made a "significant contribution'' would have the option of applying for the Bermudian equivalent of a Green Card, giving security of tenure without the right to vote.

However, the main plank of the document remains electoral reform and the PLP says it would create 30 single seat Parliamentary constituencies, reducing the number of MPs from 40, and would abolish the foreign resident vote. All the new constituencies would have an equal population.

Parish councils would be brought back to give greater grass roots representations and the Corporations of Hamilton and St. George's reformed. A code of ethics would also be drawn up for Cabinet Ministers and their numbers reduced and junior ministers posts created.

Mr. Wade said: "We are hoping that after the Referendum we can get back to basics and be clear and calm and have a chance to sit down and discuss the issue dispassionately. It may take the fall of the Swan administration to do that.'' Teenager robbed at knifepoint Police reported that a 16-year-old Sandy's youth was robbed at knifepoint on Wednesday.

He was waiting for a bus at the Port Royal bus stop on Middle Road in Southampton at about 1.45 p.m. when another youth approached him and pushed him to the ground.

The culprit then produced a knife and took the victim's wallet and removed the cash from it.

Somerset Police officers are investigating the incident.