Debate

Independence
by Erin Lovell

I am of the opinion that Bermuda, at present is not ready for independence. I support my view using the 6 basic tiers of government: Population, Domestic Support, Internal Structure, Diplomatic Recognition, Territory, and Sovereignty, as well as a Subtitle, “Economic Issues”

I am not convinced by the emotional plea given by the pro-independent community in Bermuda. An obvious Argumentum ad Misercordiam, the case that we as Bermudians should pursue independence so that we can “finally call this land our own”, “gain national pride”, and “call ourselves Bermudians”, clearly appeals to the emotional state of the hearer. However, for many of those who are fed up with the paycheck-to-paycheck, dog eat dog environment of the “have-not” microcosm (or should I say major-cosm [pun intended]), this is an appealing proposition. It appeals to those who still feel “enslaved” to Britain, to those who wish to “emancipate” themselves from servitude to such an imperialistic state of mind, when in actuality these same people would not give such a second thought had it not been presented in this manner. I find it a shame that the majority of the population has been frightened into all this independence hype, with threats of no a proverbial influx of European expatriates should our “overbearing” England so decide to drag us kicking and screaming into the EU as an Overseas Territory. For a group that complains that Britain has done absolutely nothing for us and has had nothing to do for us in so many hundreds of years, they seem to be overly eager to free themselves from such long, hard servitude to it.

In reference to the Internal Structure of Bermuda, I wish to state my strong feelings against our adequacy as a country to maintain a healthy internal structure should we go independent. I base that on the feeling that we do not have a healthy internal structure at present. I feel that Bermuda’s government is too plagued by conflicts of interest, the have/have-not crises present everywhere, and more prevalent, the racial divide. I feel that if it were up to either of the present political parties to make the transition from where they are now to making crucial, life altering decisions for Bermuda, we would be in a quite a mess as I do not feel that the decision making itself could get past the color of the skin of the people making the decision. I feel that the conflicts of interest that we experience in such a small country would also be a major factor, in that many people in judicial positions at present would have the authority to alter laws however they please to suit their own gain. I do not feel that our present leaders are adequately prepared to put personal feelings against each other aside and work together to move our country toward nationhood. I see many moves toward becoming an independent nation, but very few toward uniting Bermuda and Bermudians in achieving this goal, as opposed to underlying competition for the highest salary or most auspicious piece of property. Too often we see decisions regarding the housing crises made by those owning multiple homes, decisions regarding public education made by those with their own children in private schools. I do not feel that this type of progress will help us achieve a goal such as independence.

Secondly, I would like to briefly touch on the potential economic situation for Bermuda should we go Independent. In a forum presented by the Bermuda Independence Commission, I was faced with a presentation full of “maybe’s” and “we aren’t sure yet’s” regarding what would happen to Bermuda should our ever crucial alliance with the United States become endangered. I feel that should everything go fine, and things remain the same as they are right now, we are safe. However, pending any dispute with the US, we have lost our major import partners, and possibly the majority of our exempt companies, a dangerous situation for Bermuda and its economy. At present, we rely almost solely on the US for imported products, and our economy is rapidly moving toward international business.

Thirdly, I would like to state the Bermuda does not have enough natural resources to feasibly support itself should our import relations turn sour. Sure, we could thrive off of bananas, loquats, onions, and black seal rum, that’d certainly get us right on the track of national pride [sic.]. Realistically speaking, I feel that unless we could guarantee that relationship with the United States for the sake of food imports, if nothing else, this would be another issue threatening our independence. What space do we have to raise crops to feed our people, if we lose this alliance, and our economy does not accommodate import from countries further away? Are other countries prepared to export what we need?

Next, I wish to challenge those proposing independence. I would like to be assured that should we go independent, we would not fall into a financial slump due to rash decision making through a lack of information or guidance. I would like to be assured that people who could convey our views as Bermudians to the rest of the world and give our country the voice that we seemingly deserve would adequately represent us on the International sector. I am not comforted by the fact that even if we end up with loads of financial deficits, damaged international relations, and an anarchical government system, that “at least we would have our pride”. I do not feel that pride in this sense will pay the proverbial bills.

Though there are obvious benefits in Bermuda going independent, there are also obvious risks that outweigh it at present. I do not consider us becoming a nation and then calling Inter-Governmental Organizations down to help us resolve government issues a solution, because that reliance would be no different than the relationship that we have now with England (emphasis) in that regard. If the issue is that Bermuda pays for our governor’s salary, and that our taxpayer’s money goes toward his outfits, housing, etc., then why not send him back? Apparently he is of no use to us anyway. I do not find the expense of having a governor another legitimate premise in the argument presented for pro-independence in a country that maintains one of the highest Gross National Income’s in the world.

In conclusion, I would like to state that although Independence looks good on paper for Bermuda right now, until I see more tangible evidence that Bermuda will maintain its high level on the world scale, and its valuable alliances with various countries, as well as its public sanity, I do not feel that we as a country are ready to make such a move at this time. Maybe with a different approach, and a more unbiased set of people promoting such a move (which would be difficult to achieve coming from within such an internally helter-skelter situation). I am for independence as a concept, sure, but against how it is being proposed, and how it came about, and at present maintain my opinion that right now, Bermuda is simply not ready.