Debate

Independence
by Caitlin Collis

“As a young person I have many concerns regarding independence. With the loss of my British passport, I would be hindered from working or living in any of the European Union countries. The inconveniences of traveling abroad would be much greater, as I would have to apply for, and obtain, visas to enter many foreign countries to which we currently have ease of access by virtue of our connection to the United Kingdom .

After finishing school, I would risk returning to an island offering me few employment opportunities, as international business is likely to find other jurisdictions in anticipation of political instability, which often follows in the wake of a move to independence.

I am concerned about the huge costs that would come with managing our own foreign policy. The maintenance of diplomatic missions and the negotiation of international treaties would be prohibitively expensive. There are already 191 member countries in the United Nations and negotiating alongside them could prove impossible for such a small country. The funds required for these activities could be better spent on housing education or seniors.

Could any of us feel secure if the police force was controlled entirely by Bermudians? We are a country of 65,000 people and it would be almost impossible for the police force to remain free of corruption in the circumstances. There simply could not be an adequate system of checks and balances with such a small population.

Should we decide to take the step of independence, our lives will be irrevocably changed. There will be no going back, if we find that it was a mistake and so our future depends on making the right decision for everybody. We must gain more than pride from such a move and the majority must support it. For that reason, a decision of such magnitude can only properly be made by referendum. “