Up Close
with Bishop Vernon Lambe,
GM Spanish Town
By Erin Lovell

Erin Lovell and Stephani Williams recently interviewed Bishop Vernon Lambe, The Chairman of the Bermuda Independence Commission.

"EDUCATION BRINGS LIBERATION" Bishop Vernon Lambe

Q.    Who started the Bermuda Independence Commission.  When did it start and with what ends in mind?
"The Bermuda Independence Commission was the brainchild of Premier Alex Scott.  Our first meeting was held on January 20th, 2005 .  The final report of the Bermuda Independence Commission is due to be presented to Cabinet at the end of June 2005."

"Our mandate is to acquire the highest level of information on Independence from sources local and international, dealing with consulates, diplomatic offices, foreign embassies and missions.  The accumulation of that information is then to be disseminated by all means necessary to the community".

Q.    What kind of budget is the Bermuda Independence Commission working with?
"We have a dynamic budget of $100,000".

Q.    Do you think the Bermuda Independence Commission accurately represent all demographics and socioeconomic classes in Bermuda ?  For instance do you all own property?
"There are 13 members who sit on the Bermuda Independence Commission.  The group includes: pro/con indpendence, former politicians, a current politician, former civil servant, preacher, laywer, men, women, black, caucasian and portuguese."

"We do not express our personal convictions on the subject, pro or con at this time".

Q.  Could the voting age for a referendum be lowered to 16, given that it is the young people who will have to live with the effects of the independence election?
"I personally think the difference between 16 and 18 year olds is not that great in terms of mentality, 16 year holds however are still at High School, whereas 18 year olds, on average are finished High School.  Government will have to make that decision".  

Q.    How do the opinions of up an coming voters fit in with the Bermuda Independence Commission's research?
"This is the very reason debates, essay and quiz contests have been developed to involve the youth".

The Youth News team strongly urges youth to go to the Public Meetings.  However, if you are unable to attend the Youth News Team have requested that they have the opportunity to sit on the Commission as a line of communication for the youth of Bermuda .  Please email us at editor@eyouthnews.com if you have any concerns, questions and/or comments you would like us to give to The Bermuda Independence Commission.