INDEPENDENCE – A JOURNEY FOR FREEDOM AND SURVIVAL IN THE 21ST CENTURY
There are many benefits for Bermuda in achieving full independence, which this Member of Parliament sees as a natural step in the country’s development as a democracy.
Mr Walter H. Roban, JP, MP, in
Hamilton Mr Roban joined the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party Youth Wing in the late 1980s, serving as its Chairman and representative to the party's Central Committee from 1991 to 1993. In 1995 he was elected to the position of Secretary General of the PLP, which he held until August 1999.
Introduction The issue of independence has periodically dominated the attention of Bermuda’s people over the past 40 years. Although somewhat isolated in the North Atlantic, changes throughout the world during the early post-war period were not missed by many in Bermuda. This era of
decolonization inspired many on the island particularly those of African descent to believe the process and ultimately independence was the path to a better more fair country. The Progressive Labour Party (PLP) from its inception in 1963 promoted constitutional reform, greater sovereignty and ultimately independence for Bermuda starting in its earliest platform. The successive United Bermuda Party (UBP) government would not take a position on the question of independence but they did contribute to debate by producing a number of green and position papers on the issue. Ultimately, a referendum was held by the UBP in 1995 ending with a ‘NO’ vote and for some, this ended the debate on the issue. The next opportunity came with
the most exhaustive review of the issue by the PLP government when Premier the Hon. W. Alexander Scott appointed the
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Bermuda Independence Commission (BIC), to complete an objective study in 2005. Along with others, the PLP organization prepared and
Mr Walter Roban, JP, MP.
presented a submission to the BIC Commission carefully detailing its position on all aspects of governance if the island were to make the step towards full sovereignty (independence). The PLP has always confidently stated there are clear benefits to full sovereignty and sees this as a natural, evolutionary step in Bermuda’s development as a democracy. The PLP was the only political party to make a detailed presentation of its position on independence to the Commission. Bermudians now have available decades of exhaustive studies
completed locally and will benefit from having observed successive former European colonies make the transition. Nearly 50 member nations of the Commonwealth have already done so. There are obviously many questions Bermudians might need to ask themselves when considering the issue of full sovereignty for Bermuda. One of the major questions is ‘has Bermuda’s path of democracy prepared us for the step to full sovereignty’. Additionally, ‘are the resources available to our small 22 square mile island , economic, political as well as security-related, enough to operate as an independent country?’. It is also important for citizens to consider that as Bermuda and the world changes, our interests will continue to evolve both domestically and internationally. In light of this, does our present constitutional status ensure the best possible protection? Bermuda, like others around the world, are ultimately concerned about solidifying its domestic interest, a stable prosperous economy, good governance, the protection of human rights, security and the country’s international interest. These are just some of the indicators the people and stakeholders would want reassurance about if independence is considered.