It is of no surprise that certain organizations and political entities continue to attempt to cloud an issue that has previously been clarified.
So, for the sake of clarity let us repeat a few facts re CARICOM.
● Bermuda first obtained observer status of CARICOM under the United Bermuda Party
● CARICOM is an association of 22 countries in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Bermuda, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands being the 3 island groups in the Atlantic Ocean.
Facts vs Fiction
● Regarding the claim that CARICOM nations have to share each other’s finances – completely false. Each country’s financial affairs are separate. If that was the case, then member countries would be joint owners of Guyana’s 11 billion barrels of oil.
● As we are British Colonies / Overseas Territories we had to first ask permission from the United Kingdom to even become an Associate Member. We further had to ask the UK government’s permission just to find out the requirements to become a full-time member.
● Specifically, regarding the claim that Bermuda is signing / has signed up for Freedom of Movement of Labour – again completely false. Remember we remain a British Colony and they do not allow open borders.
● Under the PLP, Bermuda has a stringent immigration regime in which qualified Bermudians must get preference for employment.
Irony
● Annually, the 14 remaining British Colonies are required to travel to London to report to the United Kingdom Government. Yet, the critics do not complain about that trip. Why is that?
● The biggest critics of CARICOM are the supporters of making it easier for non-Bermudians to gain work permits.
“The One Bermuda Alliance is committed to implementing a data-driven system that accelerates the work permit process…” Ben Smith OBA Deputy Leader
February 7, 2025
In closing, you be the judge of why those who are so pro-immigration are so anti-CARICOM.