While Bermuda's leaders have debated Independence in public for weeks, quieter but no less passionate discussions on the issue have been taking place -- in people's homes across the Island. Today, in the first in an occasional series, The Royal Gazette talks to the Raynor family, who are divided on how they are going to vote on August 15.

Arthur and Elena Raynor are expecting the arrival of their first child at any moment - possibly as early as today.

The expectant parents agree they want the best for their child. But the Warwick couple is divided on whether she should grow up in an Independent Bermuda.

"I've always been one for Independence,'' said Mr. Raynor, 41, a firefighter with the Bermuda Fire Service. "I feel that since we've been self-governing, we really don't need anyone else.'' "I believe that as Bermudians, we can do anything,'' and Independence would "give us a sense of pride.'' Mrs. Raynor, a secretary at the Bank of Bermuda, sees things differently.

"It's like they say: `If it ain't broke, don't fix it','' she said. "As far as I'm concerned, we should just leave things as they are.'' Mr. Raynor, who was solidly pro-Independence until the campaign for the August 15 referendum began, said he has found the debate anything but helpful.

"I've been confused more than helped,'' he said. "After hearing all the politicians and all the rhetoric -- `Vote, don't vote, vote for, vote against' -- it's total confusion.'' If the United Bermuda Party felt solidly one way and the Progressive Labour Party felt the other, the decision would be easier, he said. But Mr. Raynor noticed "infighting'' in both parties.

He felt it would have been even better if the two parties could have taken a joint approach on the issue, which has "ramifications which are going to effect the whole Island''.

Normally a PLP supporter, "I will be voting'' in the referendum, Mr. Raynor said. "I don't believe in the abstention position. That's just like throwing a vote away.'' He was now much less sure whether he would vote `yes' or `no.' "I would like to think that before the 15th my decision will be made.'' Mr. Raynor found information on the cost of Independence confusing. Various costs had been cited, and he took no comfort from Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul's assertion that his taxes would "go up slightly.'' How much was "slightly?'' he asked.

He also felt too many "scare tactics'' were being used.

With the recent increase in crime, Mr. Raynor said he was concerned about the Bermuda his child would grow up in. "We have hope and confidence,'' he said.

"I would like my children to be brought up in a stable environment.'' Neither parent felt the decision Bermudians make next Tuesday would have much effect on their child's education and career prospects.

"If anything, I would hope that things would be better for the child educationally, if we should go Independent,'' Mrs. Raynor said.

YES AND NO -- Bermuda is split on Independence, and so are Arthur and Elena Raynor. Mr. Raynor is for Independence, while Mrs. Raynor is against.