shows split in racial, age groups to White Paper By Raymond Hainey More than half of all Bermudians support an end to hanging and flogging as well as tougher financial regulations in return for full UK passports, a new survey has revealed.

But the survey also showed a clear difference of opinion based on race and age grounds to the UK White Paper.

The survey report said: "Not surprisingly, white residents are more likely than blacks to express interest in having UK citizenship and twice as likely to say they are very interested.

"And interest in having the passport is a critical determinant in the level of support for the White Paper changes.

"These changes are supported by almost all (91 percent) of Bermudians very interested in a UK passport, primarily younger residents, compared with 60 percent who are somewhat interested and only 20 percent of thise not very, or not at all, interested.'' A total of 52 percent of those surveyed strongly or generally supported the proposals. But more than a third (34 percent) strongly or generally oppose the UK carrot and stick approach. And three percent said "it would depend'' while 12 percent told pollsters they had no clear view either way. The new deal for the colonies was unveiled by UK Foreign Secretary Robin Cook last month and was generally welcomed by the pro-Independence PLP Government, although Opposition UBP leader Pamela Gordon called for a referendum on the proposals.

The survey, carried out towards the end of last month, showed strong support among whites to the UK White Paper -- 72 percent in favour, 20 percent against -- but blacks were evenly split 42/41 percent in favour or against respectively.

Support for the new deal from Britain also found more favour among the young, with 66 percent of those aged 18-34 in favour, but only 41 percent backing among those aged 55 or older.

The major reasons given for opposing the change in the relationship between the UK and its colonies also varied. More than 20 percent said Bermuda should be independent, with 22 percent of blacks surveyed giving that reason and only 15 percent of whites.

Another 20 percent said they opposed the UK proposals because changes to the Island's laws should be Bermuda's decision -- not "forced'' by the UK.

Most Bermudians would support end to hanging for UK passports: survey And a total of 20 percent opposed the end of flogging as a judicial punishment -- even though it has not been used for decades -- while 11 percent said retaining the death penalty was important, although it has not been used for more than 30 years.

Another 11 percent feared that changes to the Island's financial regulations would damage its business or tax-friendly status.

And one in ten people spoken to (11 percent) said they opposed the deal because they have "no interest'' in full UK citizenship.

The survey report said: "The absence of stronger support for Britain's proposal is in part due to limited interest in obtaining UK citizenship. Less than half of Bermudians say they would be very (25 percent) or somewhat (25 percent) interested in this option, while almost as many are not very (16 percent) or not at all (31 percent) interested.'' The attitude to hanging shows a shift from 1990, when a referendum on the issue backed retention -- although only a third of the eligible voters bothered to cast a ballot. A referendum on independence held in 1994 produced an overwhelming majority against going it alone.

More than 73 percent chose retaining the ties with Britain compared to just over 25 percent in favour of independence.

But the result was clouded by a call from the then-Opposition PLP for a boycott -- only 58.8 percent of voters turned out.

The poll of more than 400 residents was carried out by Total Marketing and Communications Ltd, in association with overseas firm Corporate Research Associates Inc.

The firms claim an accuracy to within plus or minus 4.9 percent in 95 out of 100 cases.

Most Bermudians would support end to hanging for UK passports: survey And a total of 20 percent opposed the end of flogging as a judicial punishment -- even though it has not been used for decades -- while 11 percent said retaining the death penalty was important, although it has not been used for more than 30 years.

Another 11 percent feared that changes to the Island's financial regulations would damage its business or tax-friendly status.

And one in ten people spoken to (11 percent) said they opposed the deal because they have "no interest'' in full UK citizenship.

The survey report said: "The absence of stronger support for Britain's proposal is in part due to limited interest in obtaining UK citizenship. Less than half of Bermudians say they would be very (25 percent) or somewhat (25 percent) interested in this option, while almost as many are not very (16 percent) or not at all (31 percent) interested.'' The attitude to hanging shows a shift from 1990, when a referendum on the issue backed retention -- although only a third of the eligible voters bothered to cast a ballot. A referendum on independence held in 1994 produced an overwhelming majority against going it alone.

More than 73 percent chose retaining the ties with Britain compared to just over 25 percent in favour of independence.

But the result was clouded by a call from the then-Opposition PLP for a boycott -- only 58.8 percent of voters turned out.

The poll of more than 400 residents was carried out by Total Marketing and Communications Ltd, in association with overseas firm Corporate Research Associates Inc.

The firms claim an accuracy to within plus or minus 4.9 percent in 95 out of 100 cases.