---

As long as I have been politically aware, I have been a proponent of independence. There are those who think that the desire for Independence is an aspiration built mainly on emotion, but I strongly disagree.

For those of my generation, who were born during the last years of overt segregation in Bermuda; who endured second-class citizenship; who watched as our ‘protector’ Great Britain allowed the indignities to continue until Bermudians of colour and others decided that enough was enough; who became a part of the movement or watched as leaders emerged to move us onward and upward; who witnessed first-hand the personal sacrifices of those who dared to stand up and speak, wanting independence was not just an emotional dream but a path that would lead to self-determination and dignity — a right of all human beings.

Some Bermudians, many of whom have been on the scene longer than I have been, may argue that they view the next step as a normal progression in the fight for self-determination. I find it difficult to disagree.

It should be obvious by now that I am passionate about the subject. However, recently, while pondering the issue of independence, some sobering questions hit me like a bolt out of the blue.

Whose business is it?

Who should be involved in the decision making process when it comes to independence? Should I, and those of my ilk, be involved in that process? No matter how noble our thoughts, reasons, and desires, have we missed our opportunity? Do we have a legitimate claim to the right to determine the future of those of the generation immediately following ours or, in that regard, for generations of the future?

I believe that it is the duty of my generation to ensure that our children, grandchildren, and other young people are knowledgeable of our history. The facts need to be told without bitterness or bias. I further believe that my generation needs to seek honest answers as to why we feel the need for independence. I also believe that the answer to the last question raised in the preceding paragraph is the crux of the whole matter.

The most painful decision that I have reached in my mind is that there should be a cut-off, when it comes to age, as to who should be given the right to vote for or against independence. I certainly do not subscribe to the belief that we become progressively useless after we reach a certain age.

However, I do face the reality that the torch of the future Bermuda has to be passed on to the next generation before we fade off the scene. Those of us who are in the twilight or sunset years of our working lives should bow out of the ‘Independence vote arena’. I am bold enough to suggest that those of us who are 55 years of age and beyond should gracefully exit the stage.

The harsh reality that we must face is this. We, as the senior generation in our lifetime, must not be so self-serving in our wants and wishes, that we steer Bermuda on a course knowing that we will not be there to see her safely on her journey forward.[[In-content Ad]]

---