leader despite all indications that next month's referendum will deliver a resounding "no'' vote to his dream of Independence.

In an interview in the August issue of RG Magazine, out tomorrow, Sir John tells writer Marcus Day that he is prepared to accept the consequences of his leadership.

Sir John's personal pursuit of Independence has split the UBP and cast serious doubts about his ability to survive as leader if, as the polls indicate, the vote goes against Independence.

But he says: "I have too much confidence in myself as a person. You can't bring about change without some adverse consequences. If you sit and do nothing, you get accused of that too. I realise being in this job you can't please all the people all the time.'' The Premier says he sees Independence as a challenge to Bermuda to heal its racial divisions and attain full growth as a country. And Quinton Edness, one of Sir John's staunchest Cabinet allies, defends him in the article, declaring the Premier will go down in history as having had the courage to risk his political future by giving Bermudians the chance to determine their future.

The August issue of RG Magazine is available free with tomorrow's edition of The Royal Gazette .

RG's Referendum coverage also includes opinion pieces by Walton Brown Jr., chairperson of the Committee for the Independence of Bermuda and former Deputy Governor Peter Lloyd.

Mr. Brown argues that while he supports Independence, Government's mishandling of the issue has undermined Sir John's vision. And Mr. Lloyd says that if the vote is "no'', Bermuda must ensure the debate is less divisive next time round.

Also on the political front, former Clerk to the Legislature, Mr. John Gilbert, marks the 375th anniversary of Bermuda's Parliament with a look at the past, present and future of the Island's democratic process in The Honourable House.

This month's issue also marks the debut of RG's food column, Cuisine, penned by Bermudian Joe Gibbons. In his first column, Gibbons explores the unexpected taste of fennel.

Another chef, Neville King of the Chancery Lane Wine Bar, is profiled by Danny Sinopoli following his recent victory in the Master Chef Cook-Off, while other features in this month's issue include John Burchall's first-hand account of life in the Bermuda Regiment, wine writer Robin Blackburne's visit to South Africa.