organizations is an essential component of the modern world and this responsibility would obviously expand for Bermuda. For years a number of myths have been perpetuated by the anti- independence lobby to dissuade the population from seriously considering independence, one of these about the Bermuda dollar has already been addressed. The BIC report took on a number of these separating myths from fact. The report stated clearly that independence would not automatically change the economy, nor would it mean tax increases, income tax, and devaluation of the Bermuda dollar or the flight of international business. The report reached a number of clearly researched conclusions; one of these about the cost of independence and the analysis in the BIC report concluded that Bermuda could easily absorb the fiscal responsibility of its international affairs with the high end expenditure annually accounting for around one per cent of the government’s budget. The Commission also
concluded that there are benefits across the board which is wide ranging and political, economic and cultural in dimension. Only with independence will Bermuda be able to act interdependently with the global community. There would be an immediate expansion of opportunity for young Bermudians to build international careers and get training in a variety of international organizations such as the Commonwealth Secretariat, International Maritime Organization and the United Nations to name just a few. An independent Bermuda would be better positioned to advance and protect its interest in such areas as telecommunications and aviation. These are two areas that potential opportunities exist for the future but recent experiences has proved our status as an overseas territory presents real limitations.
Conclusion There is obviously a level of uncertainty that some connect with making this step which are used to reinforce the case against independence. We find ourselves as a country navigating a situation of global economic uncertainty, increasing scrutiny as a successful offshore jurisdiction and even increased domestic social concerns. Some may say with these compounding issues, independence is the last thing our country should be thinking about. It may also be said that it is foolish not to consider any option we have available as a country to manage our situation in a more competitive, interdependent world. The global situation is so dynamic that it is sensible to ask if a relationship model established in the 17th century is still useful in the 21st century. When considering this argument, it is in my view that many of these are challenges faced by all countries irrespective of size and resources, and do not logically give support to the case for rejecting the notion of a Bermuda as a full member of the global community fostering a new relationship with the U.K. The PLP found the final report
of the BIC commission a valuable informative tool with essential data and conclusions that allows anyone to have a clear picture of how Bermuda in the future would face the challenge as an independent nation. The PLP has always stated that the step towards independence will only take place after a comprehensive information and education process, and when it is clear it is the wish of the majority of the people. In 2006, during a presentation at the Bethel AME Church, Bermuda I posed the following questions to the audience:
“If Bermudians are not the best qualified and equipped to decide what is best for Bermuda, then who? If Bermudians are not the best qualified and equipped to
28 | The Parliamentarian | 2009: Issue One - Bermuda
forth self-government, a wider franchise, better education, and economic opportunity. Democracy did bring a lot more freedom and
Above: A conical Bermudian roof.
represent Bermuda’s interest here and abroad, then who? If Bermudians are not the best qualified and equipped to decide the identity and path of the future of Bermuda, then who?”
...Bermuda’s maintenance of its strong economic fundamentals... will preserve the strength of the Bermuda dollar.
History has already proven that when Bermudians have taken more control of the islands’ affairs, the quality of life, economic, political and social conditions of the country has improved. The parliamentary and social reforms of the late 1950’s and 1960’s, resulted in wider political participation and the erosion of segregation. Constitutional reforms of the late 1960’s brought
occasionally social conflict but this was usually in reaction to the oppressive limitations inflicted on previous generations. With each step forward came a measure of progress crafted by Bermudian hands. We have seen an economic expansion in tourism and international business as more Bermudians have become involved in the affairs of the country. This did not emerge from any policy or assistance from the U.K. but through the ingenuity and enterprise of Bermudians. Over the last 40 years, Bermuda has experienced its greatest period of socio-economic progress unequalled by the era at the height of the British Empire. As the oversight and control of the colonial administration receded, control by Bermudians increased and with it freedom, opportunity and prosperity for the majority has followed.
Bermudians and those who see Bermuda as their home are the best to make the decisions. Independence is the only way forward for Bermuda’s people to realize absolute control of their interest into the future.