With the August 15 Independence referendum approaching, polls indicate that Bermudians will vote "no'' to breaking colonial ties with the United Kingdom.

But many views have been advanced in favour of Independence. As part of its continuing series, The Royal Gazette today looks at the arguments of the "yes'' forces.

Bermuda should go independent because it is a natural step in the Country's progress.

And remaining a dependent territory will increasingly hinder Bermuda's progress in a rapidly-changing world.

Those are the views of many who urge a "yes'' vote in the August 15 Independence referendum.

Just as opponents will defy others to name one advantage to Independence, many proponents say they are mystified why anyone opposes the Island going it alone.

They compare a country achieving Independence with a bird leaving the nest, or a young person leaving the family home to live as an adult.

Mr. Charles Jeffers, who speaks passionately in favour of Independence, said that one could likely do better financially by never moving out of the parental home. But what price could one place on the self-respect and self- esteem associated with living independently? he asked.

Deputy Premier the Hon. Irving Pearman, who chairs the Cabinet committee that wrote the discussion paper on Independence called a Green Paper, reflects this view when he says the referendum will determine whether Bermuda should "progress'' to Independence.

And to a certain extent, the view that Independence is a natural step is reflected when opponents say they reject it "at this time''.

If it is accepted that Independence in and of itself is desirable, cost remains a concern. But otherwise, the main questions are whether Bermuda is ready for Independence, and whether now is the right time.

In a recent speech to a service club, businessman and former Cabinet Minister the Hon. Sir John Plowman said there was no doubt that Bermuda was ready for Independence.

"We have now had 27 years of responsible government during which everything that has been done has been a result of the initiative of the Government,'' Sir John said.

"Bermuda is fully capable of becoming fully independent and of managing its affairs in a manner which would ensure continued stability, an environment in which international business can operate with confidence, and in which Bermudians can continue to enjoy the standard of living which is in effect today.'' As for the costs, projected figures of between $1 million and $2 million have been ridiculed as too low. But Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan says they will definitely be lower than those rung up by larger countries, like Barbados, at $6 million. And noting that Bermuda is absorbing the added $20 million cost of operating the Airport in its current account, he decries cost as a non-issue.

Is now the right time? Drugs, crime, and other problems "are with us'', the Premier says. But "they should not detract us from developing ourselves as a country that is responsible for its own affairs''.

Aside from describing it as a desirable and natural progression, proponents cite the closely-related "intangible'' benefits of Independence.

Much maligned by Independence critics, these benefits are said to include improved social relations in Bermuda, particularly among the races.

"If you're in a boat together ... and you realise that your survival depends on how well you get on, you make an effort to get on much better, particularly when you know there's no one to come and bail you out,'' says the Premier.

Front Street has the capital, while "when it comes to energy and ideas, you go back of town and you see it there'', he said in a recent speech. The two needed "to come together''.

Closely-related are concerns about colonial trappings expressed by Mr. Walton Brown, chairman of the Committee for the Independence of Bermuda.

"The British flag, God Save the Queen, and the Governor's plumed hat are outmoded and oppressive relics in Bermuda today: a biracial, multicultural, ethnically diverse society,'' Mr. Brown said.

Mr. Brown, who has stood nearly alone in keeping the Independence candle lit the last many years, also cites constitutional and political reasons for the change.

For instance, responsibilities that remain in the hands of the Governor mean that Bermuda's Police force is not directly accountable to the people through elected MPs.

The Premier and others have also argued that Independence would give Bermuda more freedom in its relations with other countries, which are forming into trading blocs like the North American Free Trade Agreement and the European Union.

Currently, Bermuda can only enter agreements with other countries with the approval of the United Kingdom. And Sir John has said that Bermuda's interests and those of the UK do not always coincide.

The Island's Shipping Register could also see substantial growth, once admission to it was freed from staffing requirements associated with the UK Red Ensign Group, proponents say.