of major decisions for Bermuda. There is little indication as 1994 ends that we can expect anything other than a year of care and concern to make the correct decisions as Bermuda approaches the millennium.

The most difficult and most controversial decision Bermuda will face in 1995 is doubtless Independence. With an Independence referendum expected sometime in the middle of the year, we are bound to have long periods of discussion of the Green Paper on Independence. Whichever way the decision on Independence goes, there will be a large group of deeply distressed people. In most countries there has been a general spirit of rejoicing at Independence but in Bermuda the divisions are deep and none are deeper than those in the ruling United Bermuda Party. There is concern that Bermuda is facing the question at a most unsuitable time when bases are being returned, the economy is still unsettled and our situation with Britain may well be very different after Hong Kong reverts to China.

During 1995 and before we start to build the mega school at Prospect we will have to re-examine the whole question of what kind of public education we want for Bermuda's children. That re-examination may require major changes at the Ministry of Education and it should, we think, entail abandoning the plan for comprehensive education in mega schools. If we do not change the plan we will move backwards and Bermuda's children will suffer until about 2010.

We will have to make choices during 1995 about how the bases lands will be best used to the advantage of Bermudians. There appears to be two schools of thought. One believes that Government should hold tightly onto the land and rent or lease sections to people operating businesses, probably non-Bermudian, which will produce income and employment for Bermudians. The second says Bermudians should benefit from the land and that means that Bermudians should get control of the land for their use by either ownership or rental. We can all rest assured that the second scenario would be the least efficient but if it does not take place there will be a great deal of complaint and controversy.

With two non-Bermudians at the top, 1995 is likely to be a very difficult period for the Police Service. There is every possibility that no matter how good the people occupying the posts of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, there will be ongoing controversy inside and outside the Police Force. We see the real possibility that the Police Force will be used as a constant political football and be virtually paralysed as a result. Make no mistake, there are some ruthless politicians who will not hesitate to damage the Police Service for the sake of political points.

There are also likely to be some major political party decisions during 1995 as both parties attempt to get themselves into shape for leadership towards a general election. There has already been one challenge to the PLP leadership from the moderate wing of the party and more are likely. Almost certainly there are people in the PLP who see the middle of the road as the way to success.

There are widespread reports that Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan will retire before 1995 is over, probably right after the referendum on Independence. His retirement would lead to a scramble in the United Bermuda Party since the succession is unclear and the leadership race seems to be wide open.

One thing is certain, 1995 shows every sign of being a landmark time in the history of Bermuda.