HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – An opposition legislator is calling for a referendum to be held before Bermuda seeks full membership of the 15-member regional integration movement, CARICOM.
The communiqué released following the CARICOM summit held in Jamaica earlier this month noted, “Heads of Government agreed to expedite negotiations with Bermuda on its application for full membership.”
Michael Fahy, the shadow minister of municipalities, housing, and home affairs, stated that during the last session of Parliament, he had asked several questions of the Bermuda government regarding its plans to make the British Overseas Territory a full member of the Caribbean Community grouping.
In November 2023, the David Burt government announced that it was moving ahead with plans to join CARICOM, following approval from the United Kingdom to do so.
The then Deputy Premier, Walter Roban, had stated in a speech to Parliament that discussions had been held between Premier Burt and the then Governor, Rena Lalgie, on “Bermuda’s intention to make an application for full membership.”
He acknowledged that Britain would have to be consulted before Bermuda could apply to join CARICOM.
“Once we receive further information such as the feedback required from the UK Government, CARICOM Secretariat, and other relevant organisations, the public will hear early in the new year about the public consultation process,” Roban said.
However, in his questions to Parliament, Fahy stated that he was seeking to determine the date on which a Green Paper would be published regarding full Caricom membership for Bermuda.
He said that a Green Paper is a preliminary document published by the Government that outlines proposed changes in policy, and is intended to stimulate discussion and consultation, adding “this is usually followed by a White Paper, which is a policy document produced by the Government that sets out its proposals for future legislation”.
Fahy stated that he inquired under what circumstances the Bermuda government would consent to the free movement of nationals of CARICOM member states to Bermuda, as per Article 3 of the CAR Treaty, which requires all member states to strive for the free movement of CARICOM nationals.
Fahy said he also wanted to know “whether the Government of Bermuda will put the question of full CARICOM membership to the people of Bermuda via referendum.
Fahy stated that the Government advised that the Green Paper would be published in the first quarter of next year, as the Government is still awaiting information through a draft agreement from CARICOM.
He said that the Government did not accept that the free movement of CARICOM nationals was under consideration, even though, as of October 1, Barbados, Dominica, Belize, and St Vincent and the Grenadines had agreed on the free movement of their nationals, which includes access to jobs, education, and healthcare without restriction.
Fahy said that as the people of Bermuda are being asked to consider joining CARICOM as a full member, he firmly believes “that a referendum is essential to ensure that Bermudians have a say in this critical decision.
“The potential implications of full membership are far-reaching, and Bermudians must be allowed to engage in a meaningful discussion about the benefits and drawbacks.”
Fahy said that a referendum would provide the “most democratic platform for Bermudians to participate in the decision-making process, allowing us to have a direct say in the future of our own country.
“This is particularly important when we consider a decision that could have significant implications for our economy, culture, immigration, and long-term sovereignty. By holding a referendum, we can ensure that the decision to join CARICOM is made with the full support and understanding of Bermudians.”
Fahy said that, given the Government’s numerous surveys published seeking Bermudians’ opinions on whether to update signage laws and lower the cost of living, it seems evident that a referendum should be undertaken.
“It is not a decision that should be left to Members of Parliament, especially where the Government will likely instruct its members to vote a certain way. A referendum would allow for an informed decision that truly reflects the will of the people.”
Fahy, who is also the parliamentary representative for Pembroke South West, said, “merely asking for clarity, consultation and honest dialogue on CARICOM is somehow an attack on Bermuda”.
He said the ruling Progressive Labour Party (PLP) has spent a considerable amount of time attacking the central opposition One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) as a result of questions the opposition “must ask on CARICOM.
“Let me be clear. No one in the OBA is afraid of CARICOM. What Bermudians should be concerned about is a government that cannot distinguish between transparency and propaganda. If the Government wishes to be taken seriously on the future of Bermuda’s regional integration, it must start by respecting the intelligence of the public and admitting its policy inconsistencies.
“The PLP wants closer ties with our Caribbean neighbours but is against any free movement of Caribbean nationals.
“Limited free movement of persons may be a significant boost to Bermuda’s economic fortunes and help solve our population and job-growth issues. This must be explored, not rejected outright. Perhaps the reason the CARICOM Secretariat has taken more than a year to send a draft agreement to Bermuda is because of the PLP’s outright rejection of Article 45.”
Fahy said the OBA desires to see “open and transparent debate, complete analysis of the pros and cons of Caricom and the opportunity for the people of Bermuda to decide on full membership by way of a referendum.
“Our concern is with the process to date, which has been slow on details and fast on rhetoric,” he added.
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