The One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) hosted a well-attended town hall meeting Monday evening at the Vasco da Gama Club, where the focus centered on the Progressive Labour Party government’s pursuit of full CARICOM membership and the potential implications for Bermuda.
The public forum provided residents with an opportunity to ask questions and express concerns about the proposed move, with OBA representatives emphasizing the need for greater public education and transparency before any final decision is made.
Following the meeting, OBA organizer Dwayne Robinson said he was encouraged by the turnout and the level of public engagement.
“I think it showed that folks are still willing to discuss this publicly. There are a lot of unanswered questions,” Robinson said. “The One Bermuda Alliance wants to play its role as the democratically elected Opposition by giving people a space to discuss this. This isn’t just a government issue—it’s an issue that affects all of us. We were happy with the turnout, we filled the house, and we hope to continue building on that.”
Robinson said one of the recurring concerns raised by attendees was why the Progressive Labour Party had not provided the public with more detailed information outlining both the advantages and disadvantages of full CARICOM membership.
“I think part of it falls down to the political maneuvering of this CARICOM issue,” Robinson said. “It was never really based on facts, figures, statistics and the benefits to Bermuda, but more so on wanting to sit at the table and build up our voice. The Opposition has tried to push this debate toward facts, statistics, impact studies, and the real benefits and risks posed to Bermuda.”
He added that sound public policy should be supported by evidence rather than political objectives.
During the meeting, audience members also raised concerns that Bermuda’s pursuit of CARICOM membership could ultimately be linked to a broader push for independence.
Robinson clarified that while the suggestion came from a member of the audience, he acknowledged that recent developments have fueled public speculation.
“People are going to put two and two together,” he said. “It’s not for the Opposition to define the government’s position. We’ve asked government directly if this is a ploy for independence, and they’ve said no. However, someone has been given the remit to advocate on Bermuda’s behalf for independence, and that’s why people are asking questions.”
Robinson referenced advocacy surrounding the Caribbean Reparations Commission as one of the issues contributing to those concerns.
Asked whether Bermudians should have the final say on CARICOM membership, Robinson said the OBA continues to support a national referendum.
“We absolutely support a referendum,” he said. “The people’s voices must be heard on something that may fundamentally change the outlook of Bermuda and its population. We have to make sure all the pros, all the benefits, and all the risks are fully examined, but ultimately the people must decide whether this is a step Bermuda should take together.”
Looking ahead, Robinson said the Opposition will review the feedback gathered during the town hall and continue engaging the public on the issue.
“Our Opposition Leader will bring us together, we’ll strategize on how we move forward, continue engaging the community, and use the information we’ve received to make us a more formidable Opposition,” he said.
The Progressive Labour Party has previously stated that pursuing closer ties with CARICOM is intended to strengthen Bermuda’s regional relationships and influence. However, Monday night’s discussion highlighted that many residents are seeking additional information before any decision on full membership moves forward.
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