MP Walton Brown: “The Time For Direct Action”
“The OBA government has completely lost its mind” and “this is the time for direct action,” said MP Walton Brown today following the Government’s announcement of proposed changes to the island’s immigration laws.
The Government announced earlier today that they plan to make changes to the law to provide pathways to Permanent Residency and Bermuda status for some long-term residents.
The Government said they will amend the laws with changes to include any person who is ordinarily resident in Bermuda for 15 years becoming eligible to apply for permanent residency, and any permanent resident who is ordinarily resident in Bermuda for 20 years becoming eligible to apply for Bermudian status.
Speaking via social media, Mr Brown said, “The OBA Government has completely lost its mind.
“Despite numerous attempts to take a bi-partisan approach on the contentious issue of immigration reform, this Government has taken unilateral steps with contempt for Bermudians reminiscent of the racist policies of the 1960s.”
“There is no longer space to discuss and negotiate. This is the time for direct action. Civil disobedience. I will consult with other like minded people and we will act…as early as next week. Are you in?”
“There is no longer space to discuss and negotiate. This is the time for direct action. Civil disobedience. I will consult with other like minded people and we will act…as early as next week. Are you in?”
I suggest you contact Onion Juice. his powder keg is full to overflowing.
Where is the sustainable report. How many jobs would it take to support our economy.
The people most likely object. Are less likely to be online
THE OBA NEEDS TO CALL A SNAP ELECTION FAST SINCE SO MANY PEOPLE ARE FOR THE PLAN TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE IMMIGRATION LAW! PROBLEM SOLVED AND THE MAJORITY WILL HAVE SPOKEN.
The milkman is afraid to be the next loser Andrew Simons @351 votes.
And all you Dislikes above can tell your boss dunkley to man up and call the election.
Funny. A couple of weeks ago you lot were bleating about how “unfair” it would be if there was a snap election.
The man has shown statesmanship. It has been a very long time since we had a leader with a strategic eye on the long term future and viability of this island. I for one don’t want to see house price deflation, further population decline and a growing elderly section of society that needs Supporting. Your lack of foresight is worrying. If you want a repeat of the 2008 down turn all you need to do I crank up the hostile rhetoric and chase more business out of Bermuda.
Like you said, the lack of foresight is worrying – 8 dislikes is enough. Those who don’t WANT to understand or CAN’T understand due to a lack of basic knowledge, will be the ones crying even more if there’s another downturn. Just watch.
While you’re on a roll, please remind those people like you and who liked your comment, about that all those PLP people who are married to and /or engaged to foreigners and who, with a snap of their fingers, have more rights than a person who has resided here for 20+ years! You all have one track minds and can’t, for whatever reason, think for yourselves. You truly deserve the brainwashing you get!
Because they are most likely older and not “Progressive.”
The people who could gain PRC status will have15 years of pension contributions. The people who could get full status a minimum of twenty years. Why would they choose to retire and keep that money here when the cost of living is so much higher than elsewhere? There is the danger of mass exodus of long term residents which will drive up the cost of living here even further. A pathway to status is a way of avoiding this.
Walton has lost the plot. Seriously d00d.
“Lost the plot”?
Did he ever have it?
February 6, 2016
@ Walton Brown
Bie’ you’re a perfect example of, “the pot calling the kettle black”. (Get a life and cease attempting to cause problems!)
I bet they pay you good money to sit there and pretend to comment as a regular person, watch out I might apply for your job and with my connection I will get it hehe
Walton Brown,
If you want to increase the number of people here and stop leaking population what do you suggest. People who have been here for 20 years. It is hardly unreasonable.
It perfectly reasonable, after all, we give voting rights to people who have been here for 18 years, but barely, if ever, even paid taxes or contributed to society, simply because of the random geographical genetic disposition of their birth. Allowing people who have been law abiding and contributing citizens for over 20 years is justice. Though we all know that Walton and others in the PLP would prefer to maintain this new system of segregation and inequality rather than do what is right.
Funny how the OBA always waits to tell you after the Feb 4th election to tell us real Bermudians the BAD NEWS!!!!!! Why didn’t you say this prior, might have generated more votes for the loser Andrew Simons.
Another example on why not to trust the UBP/OBA.
I thought Walton Brown supports human rights, regardless of their race and origin?
If Donald Trump and the Tea Party Clan can oppose immigration I guess we can too, especially for 21 square miles.
Oh it’s all a joke to you…Nice…SMDH. You are part of the PLP aren’t you.
Well, the PLP is the equivalent of the tea party. That we know. Anti foreigner, racist, right wing. That’s you lot.
Why should someone who has put 15-20 years into our country not be entitled to some rights? How does it adversely affect us?
Granting full citizenship is not “some rights” it’s complete rights that guarantees a Bermudian who has devoted their whole life to our country will never get that position. The permit worker was never entitled those 15-20 years to begin with they’ve just been allowed to have their permits to be passed over and over again under a flawed vetting system. You hypocrites will say that PLP was wrong in all ways but will not admit all the ways they were wrong including allowing permits to keep getting passed without doing a thorough check as to whether there was already a local that could fill the position. This is PLP’s mess but OBA has decided to make it worse than clean it up. We don’t have any refugees here so everyone of those here for 15-20 years have rights in their own country that a Bermudian is not entitled to but now this is a fabricated human rights issue. If any Bermudian worked in their country for 15-20 years they would not be guaranteed status and they would not be recognized by UN, Amnesty or any other human rights activist as having their human rights revoked because they are not granted status. All countries have these laws but OBA wants to pretend they don’t exist and we are the only ones who do. The laws are first and foremost to protect the already citizens of the country from going into a state of poverty. You sheeple wont be happy until our taxes skyrocket to supplement the increase in financial assistance for those who lose their job to the cheap labor being promised citizenship. Bermuda is not big enough for a mass immigration plan. Even the massive countries that have mass immigration plans are careful who they give what permit to because they realizes that it will adversely affect their labor force but you obviously are not looking at the full picture if you have to ask. Cheap labor isn’t going to create jobs for Bermuda they will just take them.
Without foreign investment and immigration, Bermuda wouldn’t even be Cuba.
Not true.
Many economies thrive from export that us controlled by the peoplr with little or no investment from overseas.
OBA supporters dont look at all avenues, they look at what helps their friends and family succeed.
Name one that has been consistent for 20 years.
Please name another 60,000 population country with no natural resources to export, that doesn’t rely on foreign investment for its economy…
What exactly do you propose we export?
I would be surprised if you can find one, let alone something that can sustain the island.
@The Truth – well written and all facts. The BIGGER and much SCARIER issues are being overlooked. Born Bermudians will be pushed aside for jobs that would have been guaranteed to them otherwise. We will all become “Accidental Bermudians”. We are not talking about ANYWHERE; we are talking about Bermuda and I agree 100%; Bermuda is not big enough for a mass immigration plan! There has to be another way! People are suffering now; what’s going to happen if this is passed? I feel sorry for my daughter’s generation because we’re going to be educating our children and the chances of them securing the ‘top jobs’ keeps decreasing. Opportunities keep opening for ‘others’ to secure them. Something is wrong with that picture.
It really isn’t about a political party; it’s about securing a future for OUR children!
Actually these countries all DO have these laws in place.
If Bermudians did work overseas for 15-20 years they WOULD have status, citizenship or whatever analogous concept.
Actually, in many countries, this would occur much sooner than 15 and 20 years. Most are less than 10.
Oh – and Bermudians have British citizenship and EU citizenship, and plenty Bermudians regularly go off to live in USA, UK, Caribbean and Canada so there should be some degree of reciprocity.
Please be less vague you sound like you are making this up.
OK. Nearly all countries have a pathway. Turks and caicos and north Korea appear to be the only ones without.
Less vague enough for you?
This is good news…have you not been listening to how the PLP encouraged exodus resulted in an underpopulated Bermuda. Where the large reductions in taxes collected resulted in the govt not having enough money to pay for things…..Those folks who are here, if they also leave then they won’t be spending money here in the economy or paying taxes.
“Real Bermudians”?? Who would they be exactly?
Not you
Despite your assumption you will actually find that I am. I’ll be the one getting behind our fellow Bermudians trying to get this country going again whilst you sit back with that chip on your shoulder expecting handouts.
No chip and never had a handout
Real Bermudian = black Bermudian. Did you just move here?
Last time I checked when the first Portuguese, Spanish and English landed on these shores the only residents were wild hogs.
Fact check, the Spanish, left he hogs, the English arrived here to find the hogs and the Portuguese came later and the hogs were pretty much extinct by then
To : Hmm…
Perhaps!! But to overcrowd this already dense spot in the Atlantic Ocean for power gain is CRAZINESS. oba/ubp need their heads examined.
Also, those of colour who are in that party, must now stand with their own kind. Remove yourself freom that party and stand with YOUR OWN. This is foolishness. For BLACKS in the oba/ubp to support the destruction of their own people is nonsense. Have the COURAGE TO REMOVE YOURSELF FROM THAT BRAINWASHED philosophy and support your own kind. Your people need YOU!! NOW!!!!
Are you braindead? The people are already here. We have lost around 4,000 people under the PLP. Thiese people were paying taxes. We need to increase the taxpaying population, and the amount of money in the economy. This action will cut the outflow and provide and encourage long term value creation for us all.
NO!! Those who have exited must return.
That is up to them, if they want to return that is there choice, but there are Bermudians who do move overseas and find a life elsewhere… they were doing it even when the economy was good. In the meantime, this won’t take jobs away, those applicable already have jobs here, and it won’t be taking land from anyone, because if a current Bermudian can’t buy a house now when the market is slumped, then they probably won’t be able to if the market rebounds… in the meantime, there are other that will now have a larger market that they will now be able to shop in if they are able to.
So plp is just for blacks????
P.L.P.is for working-class individuals who just happen to be predominately BLACK. You can even join if you choose to.
If you kick out the PRC’s, who’s gonna pay to support those couple of unemployed kids?
It is not for working class individuals. That is a myth perpetuated to pick up a whole bag of votes.
Why would I join any party, my vote is earned and I will hold any party accountable with that vote… right now I am hold the PLP to account for the destruction their policies had on our economy and government finances, a destruction that has left thousands un- or under-employed, particularly in the black community. Not to mention the inaction on addressing the failing public education that the working-class rely on. How is that a party for the working-class that is predominantly black. The PLP have been the worst thing for the community of this country in the last 20 – 25 years
Walton. I am totally disappointed as I thought you had more depth than this.
Why does the PLP presuppose that this would only involve a certain segment of our very small community when it also will include folk from Africa, Jamaica, St. Kitts, S.America and on and on? As usual the PLP turning this into Race when the SAME law applies to anyone that fits the residency criteria, regardless of Race. Geeze!!! PLP Wake up, pay attention for heavens sake.
Walton, nor any of his so called colleagues, don’t have any suggestions! That’s the problem with their Party! Sadly, he’s preaching to the gullible who don’t understand even the slightest thing about economics. If only they’d LISTEN for a change, we might just get somewhere as a unified island.
Why don’t the OBA come to the table like honest brokers and join with the PLP and perhaps representatives from other organizations to have comprehensive immigration reform, rather than this haphazard approach which seems to be rooted in political agenda?
Do you think the PLP would collaborate with the opposition, if they were the ones making the decisions? I’ll give you three guesses and the first two do not count.
It is rich for Walton to talk about collaboration again, when their leader has made it clear that there will be none, I think it was part of his leadership speech when they voted him in and he called them demons.
Because what the PLP wanted wasn’t real collaboration. They wanted to have a veto over government policy – just read the terms of Walton’s motion – even though they lost the election. And they wanted the process to drag out as long as possible so that it never happened.
You can’t have property collaboration when you have a gun to your head.
The OBA won the last election. They have a mandate to govern, i.e. to run the country according to their agenda. The PLP had a mandate for 14 years and in that time, made several changes to our immigration law. Did they sit down with the UBP each time to make sure that they were on board? Take a wild guess.
@ O’Brien:
Isn’t it extremely humorous when “the shoe is on the other foot” and someone else is the big dog in the yard calling the shots ?
Not only did the PLP NOT sit down with the UBP, they were downright derisive of them.
Do you remember Alex Scott’s “Independence Commission”? They didn’t even have the decency to include the UBP’s submission in its final report.
Because the PLP are not honest brokers. Look at Walton Brown’s totally out of proportion reactions over the last few years.
I bet you – all these organisations support the proposed legislation.
Exactly. That’s the thing. Who is to say there hasn’t been collaboration and stakeholder input. Just because it’s not the PLP doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.
Do you honestly think it would make a difference? Come on, now!
Why don’t you post the unedited version of what he posted on Facebook – profanity and all. Very statesman like.
lol reminds me of Dunkley in Parliament..
Please get your facts straight. Have you heard Dunkley use profanity while sitting in Parliament or on his Facebook page, or anywhere else for that matter?
Thank you!!! And this is supposed to be a respected person
Didn’t you take a screenshot? If not, are you able to enlighten us?
Walton Brown: You repeatedly asked for comprehensive immigration reform, and now you have it. And you are STILL complaining!
OBA has only continued what PLP started. You should be pleased.
Hold on Walton…. how many persons received status/citizenship under PLP’s banner just being friends of friends/family. How many non-Bermudian persons were allowed to receive work permits with the PLP knowing many Bermudians would be unemployed and many students graduating from High School and returning home from College. Transparency is not in your vocabulary or anything else. The OBA has had to fix so many things that the PLP had done illegally, it is pathetic and now you are saying they have lost their minds. Go and find yours.
First you and your kind say the PLP kick out the work permit holders now you say they receive work permits. Which is it OBA Troll? This is all about evening up the voting. How can you give status away to people that already have a country to flee toward if all hell breaks up here. The only place that is my home is Bermuda. Now your about to sell it off.
PRC’s can buy property already …duh ! Nobody is selling anything off. The people in scope are very much part of the fabric of Bermuda already after working for 20+ years here.
They can buy any property a Bermudian can now without ARV thanks to Fahys last push to put the interests of foreigners first and foremost. Let’s see what that sellout has in his bag of tricks next
They could ALREADY buy any property. The PLP did that. So if you think that’s a “sellout”, the PLP were the sellouts.
It was under the PLP Bermuda saw SDO after SDO involving prime open space so that hotels could expand. Except they didn’t expand, they sold off the plots to foreign buyers.
Love how you conveniently overlooked the part referencing how PRCs can now compete with BERMUDIANS on any sized purchase…. dont understand how you guys are so perfectly fine with looking daft, ironically enough as you refer to PLP supports as idiots, stupid and every other name in the book.
And try actually doing your homework for once. When the OBA came into power PRCs had access to the same sample of properties above a certain ARV, comparable to what non-resident foreigners had access to.
@hmmm:
“Word-up!” They have contributed far-more to the Bermuda economy than many “born Bermudians”…
Why shouldn’t they be given the respect / rights they’ve legally earned ?
Actually Oh shut up , Bermudians are entitled to go to the UK on their British passports ,work, claim benefits, access healthcare, get home fees for a university education , get a good free state education for their children. All that and never having paid a penny towards it! On the other hand a person coming here must have a job to come to and contribute to society . Should that person fall on hard times even having lived here for many years (and not able to get status ),they are not entitled to ANY financial assistance or help. How many gangbangers have fled to the Uk and lived very nicely off the State .Can you see anything wrong with this onesided and very unfair picture?
One sided?? Do you have any common sense whatsoever? You someone believe a country as small as Bermuda should adopt the same immigration practices as the UK. Please….
Who the F is saying that Bermuda should adapt the same practices? The only thing @little girl did was show how one sided our policies are.\
I don’t know about you but most people know how important it is to introduce new people to the gene pool. I guess you would prefer to keep it all in the family , huh?!
No one has put forward any compelling reason why size matters one iota to immigration policy. Hong Kong is the same size as Bermuda and has millions. It was largely closed off from PRC for many years, had no natural resources or industry and still thrived. Bermuda is a modern, sophisticated service-based economy reliant on human capital rather than natural resources and industry. The academic literature has consistently shown immigration to be a net plus to an economy, especially in such service-based economies. I’m not aware of any reason why size makes a difference.
In any event, the numbers are still quite high, so you have in effect a policy which does make such allowance for smallness.
YOUR Bermuda??? There’s that ENTITLEMENT word! No brain, no pain, I guess!
Civil disobedience? Are you compoletely insane? You are suggesting that a method to keep people here who have worked and contributed to this island for 20 years, helping our economy, living amongst us as friends warrents civil disobedience?
There sure is some insanity going on, but it isn’t the OBA’s.
Go back in time and have a look at WHY the Immigration Department was formed and what its remit was! You will find it was to try and BRING people here. We need more people….you lot chased a whole bunch away with your ignorance.
The Minister said there were 680 something cases that could potentially be edible for status.
Hey Walton….how Earth does that translate into the OBA gaining votes? And why all of a sudden are these eligibles all white or reinsurance executives? Stop playing politics, mate. And then stop leading the charge on the false narrative you and the PLP are constructing. Stop behaving like the Republicans.
There would be a fair number of people who farmed, worked in agriculture and who worked in the hospitality areas.
The assumption that folks are all white reinsurance executives is crazy. I’d say most of that group weren’t even on the island 20 year ago.
The people stay in the areas that are PLP strong holds and this is why they wish to give them the status so that they will gain their vote. It would be them and their family. It secures their vote….quite simple.
Why would the party that passed a law make you vote a certain way…… You vote for the party you believe will best manage the country. Otherwise you are voting for people that are going to destroy your future and your children’s future. Whoever does that needs help.
PLP got my vote in 1998, not since.
To be fair, he didn’t say that about status. He said that about people getting PRCs who are on work permits now in the context of new people with employment rights. It’s hard to speculate on full numbers.
Welllll, they will have their spouses attahed, and their children attached, and their parents attached….. you get it Unbelievable??? Do the math.
Huh, why would their parents or kids be attached, the kids would have to apply separately when they turn 18 most likely. Applicants parents have nothing to do with this.
All the people in question are already here…hello, you do the math.
Do you ever read Larry Burchalls math? You know the part where falling residential population causes an economic meltdown. He’s not joking you know.
It appears you need to learn the basics!
“edible for status”?
Eat a PRC, get status…it’s in the fine print.
Obviously, I meant “eligible”. Surely you can deduce that. No?
We need more people. What is the optimal number? OBA are more focused on citizenship rather than more people. Make it one year residency and citizenship is available until we meet their optimal number.
Quo Fata Ferunt
So Mr.Brown should my friends who are non Bermudian and not like you avoid public places for fear of violence and civil unrest.
Well, if anyone would know about losing their mind…..Wally would.
“NO” Walton has lost his mind.
say if the average house in Bermuda is worth $1Million Dollars.
The PLP/BIU have sold off 2385 houses to some one outside of Bermuda.
The OBA/are still borrowing 220 houses a year to pay Walton brown and the Civil Service.
And our “INTEREST” is costing us “ONE HOUSE” every other day.
Lets hear about the “ECCONOMY” stupid.
You are the stupid one. Go back and research who got us in this mess. It was the UBP. I bet you are not even a Bermudian because if you were that dumb comment would not have come from your mouth.
How the hell do you get the UBP being responsible for the state our economy, especially since it was their policies that built the foundation created the successful boom that we had. It was the PLP’s policies that breed into a negative and hostile atmosphere for our International Business community, damaging the competitive environment that took decades to build and will take time to rubies again… so tell us again who sunk our economy.
Explain how the UBP got us into this mess…Please I beg you.
Yet another DUMB comment! It’s astonishing how much people like you, lack the basic knowledge of ANYTHING!
This is sound, needed macro prudential policy to help grow the money supply and get the velocity up to create jobs- debt service rates need to come down too. You all want jobs? Does anyone know what going on out there in the world… how on earth do you people think we can get top line revenues growing and keep our banking system afloat- most Bermudians have run through their savings and are seeing income opportunities shrink.
People that have been here that long deserve status imo.
Good job.
Time for tea
Toodles!
no they need to go home so that Bermudians like my daughter who has a masters degree in business can get a job. All foreigners in the position she has her degree in. SERIOUSLY SICK!!!
Typical entitled attitude of “I deserve it and no one else does”. If your daughter were skilled enough for the job, then she would have it. Obviously the people in the position have many more qualifications and experience. Get real.
Typical anti-Bermudian attitude commonly held by foreigners / “paper Bermudians” who can’t even relate to real Bermudians. Go home because THIS isn’t your homeland if that’s how you feel about a legitimate frustration.
Ah well, if you hate international businesses that much then let them leave
see how well our island survives after that. Maybe we will start dredging for minerals off the coast LOL or start selling raw materials (oh wait, we don’t have any). Your family came from somewhere other than this rock, as did mine. But I was born and raised here as were many of my family before me. So don’t you ever question my patriotism or my love for my country. I am only speaking the truth. Our island relies so heavily on IB, so be grateful it is here, because if it wasn’t we would have a lot more poverty. fack bie you got me seriously vexed. I dunno about you, but I dont feel like marrying my cousins, this island needs to open up its gene pool every now and then.
@Well then:
I must agree 100% Anyone that thinks like that individual is narrow minded
Just stop and think for a moment, them that hire “people” are the same ones from elsewhere who are helping Bermuda/Bermudians So, (whoever you are) why not stop the crap?
Stop it! Having spent my entire life in hiring roles in banks / hotels and law firms I can safely and hand on heart say that many Bermudians ( black and white ) have been unfairly overlooked for jobs send promotions… That is an undeniable fact!
I suspect you already know that ….
@Bob – I wonder why your comment would get dislikes when you only speak the truth..smh
I’m very much aware of how many Bermudians are overlooked for jobs, as I have experienced first hand. At the end of the day, international business benefits from having the ability to produce high expectations for employees, and if a person doesn’t fit that expectation, then they will not get the job. It is simple and irritating. But a business has to make profit for shareholders, and to do that it has to hire the BEST employees (I’m sure your daughter would understand that as she has a masters in business right?). International business is very competitive, if you don’t have the qualifications or fit the requirements then you are overlooked. That is how it works, nothing to do with immigration for people who have been here for 20+ years (most of those who take “Bermudians jobs” are here for 4 year integrals only).
Everybody has a masters degree in business nowadays, where is it from?? How many years experience does she have? If the foreigners left there would be no company for her to work for in the first place!
WHere did she get this masters degree?
If she has a Masters Degree in business, and she’s qualified for the job, then why doesn’t she have if? Has she fought for what you and her believe is hers?! Stop all the lip smacking, get up off your high horses and do something about it….or, are you expecting someone else to do your work for you?
This must be discussed and explained because a good policy on growing our population will fail based on how it is perceived by the wider electorate.
This will apply to people who have been here all this time – and their kids who grew up here alongside us.
Our economy NEEDS these people to stay because in aggregate they are huge contributors to GDP.
HOWEVER – if it is seen as a way to stack a voting result or as a form of racial engineering it will be fully resisted.
We need to approach this in a sensible and fair way with honest dialogue.
680 something people will not sway anything gin favour of any political party. That line is a just scare mongering tactic used by the PLP.
your name suits your comments. Unbelievable!!!!! Sweetie, they have children, spouses, and parents….now do the math genius. SMH
They might as well give the uiguhrs status then….
I wonder how long your family has been here.
You should try doing the math! You’re an insult to those with the slightest bit of intelligence!
I for the life do not understand what the big deal is. These are people that have been living here for soo many years. They have went to school here, paid taxes here and helped the Bermuda economy. If they are in good standing why not call these people as our own and many have accept them as. It is not like thousands of people have came off the plane yesterday and will be given status, But that is was Mr. Brown will want you to believe.
I guess his only fear is that most of these people that fall into this category may be white and will not vote PLP.
Perfect. Time to let the PLP truly show how ridiculous it is and finally implode as a out of touch, racist, foolish organization and let the rest of us finally bring this country into the 21st century in its absence
Meh. You were doing good until you attributed racism to the black dominated PLP and I assume balck Bermudians in general; when only white Bermudians have practiced racism in Bermuda based upon the historical record and by any reasonable definition.
Keep your white southern tea party style coded racism to yourself meh.
So no black bermudians are racist? GTFO here bra! And don’t give me that BS that blacks can’t be racist…..EVERYONE AND THEIR MOMMA CAN BE RACIST!!!
Wow, look at that! There’s that racist attudie of the PLP, right there in your comment. It’s funny how many of our black brothers and sisters are so against your party beliefs, but go ahead, keep blaming the white folks!
You are really blind and “out of touch” if you can’t see who is really the ones who are racist. Go google what makes a person racist…you will be surprised to find that its not anyone in the PLP party.
Oh no you are thinking of that myth that people can’t be racist…. Oh yes we can, I witnessed it first hand from people I once called my friends.
Go look up the definition.
LMBWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As a follow up note – the Cayman Islands will be shaking in their boots on this announcement. Their immigration policy has been a competitive advantage for some time as they have a path to citizenship. This removes that advantage and will be a key policy that will help encourage businesses to set up here. The economic impact could be really positive and we could all benefit.
@BermudaJake – correct me if I’m wrong, cause I might just be; but isn’t the Cayman Islands now ‘run’ by people who gained status instead of those Island born? Now, that may be okay for you but it doesn’t really sit well with me. Status has it’s implications as well; I just think some things haven’t been looked at. WE ARE NOT THE CAYMAN ISLANDS!
“The OBA government has completely lost its mind. Despite numerous attempts to take a bi-partisan approach on the contentious issue of immigration reform, this government has taken unilateral steps with contempt for Bermudians reminiscent of the racist policies of the 1960s. There is one word to describe it: ********. There is no longer space to discuss and negotiate. This is the time for direct action. Civil disobedience. I will consult with other like minded people and we will act…as early as next week. Are you in?”
wouldn’t say it wasn’t statesmanlike (or that i care that i care much that he used profanity – he is a human being with emotions as well!)but not necessarily advisable to incite what could turn violent…….no mention of rational civil disobedience – if there was such a thing.
Wonder what tune Walton Brown would be singing if he moved out of Bermuda, invested 15-20 years of his life, paid taxws, got involved with what he considers to be his home in another country, only to be rejected & told, you are nobody, we don’t care what you think?
And Walton…..what makes you think the OBA has to collaborate with you and the PLP? For YEARS the OBA tried to collaborate with the PLP and they put forward various ideas and the PLP completely ignored them.
The EGO!
Rubbish!! : TO Unbelievable
You mean “FACT”: To have some backbone
No it’s not. The PLP had a terrible record on collaboration. They didn’t even have the decency to publish the UBPs submission in their rigged independence Commission report some 10+ years ago.
That’s all you’ve got?
Still feelin’ de pain from being dissed by his old boss. Walton, you CAN’T hate Bermuda THAT much, can you ?
Lock him up in jail if he breaks the law.
gotta love how these folks salivate at the notion of making life better, as a top priority, for non Bermudians. You really believe your ridiculous rose tinted justifications will stop real Bermudians from seeing what this government is doing? I mean really! The day after the c13 loss and they want to go into red alert mode. They will do nothing more than perpetuate the rate and which one demographic of this island (which notably is the majority) turns against the other. The OBA is even more divisive that it was in it s original form
Ian…YOU ARE DE GUY!!!! Perfectly said. White and Black Bermudians see right through this. What is sad is that the OBA are pissing off more and more white Bermudian voters like myself and they are turning those who once voted for the UBP/OBA against them. It’s not just Black Bermudian children who lose out but whites as well.
I think many people objecting are missing the point that many of the prospective new Bermudians are black West Indians who have been here for many years and deserve to get status. Many are policemen, nurses, etc. I would be interested in census information on long term residents and race.
Walton Brown has lost his mind suggesting breaking the law. Thank you for cementing peoples minds in NOT voting PLP
No he hasn’t. He is level-headed and cares deeply for his beloved BERMUDA. The oba/ubp have LOST THEIR MINDS!!!
All he’s worried about is the perception that his voter base is going to be diluted .
backbone you are as nuts as Walton Brown. Take note that nobody has liked your comment I type this reply.
Who gives a flying whatever if people like a comment? The OBA will regret this !
Walton, disagree to the extent that you wish but calling for “civil disobedience” on any issue is total stupidity. Control your temper and Have some respect and responsibility for the position you hold.
What??? The amount of DISRESPECT hurled towards BERMUDIANS is inhumane. Get a grip,Ronnie Viera. Sounds like your interests are of a SELFISH NATURE TOO!!Mr. Brown is CORRECT!!
Bermudians disrespect?? all very well earned you self centered egotistical bunch. Bermudians seem to think the world owes them. Oh yes I AM A BERMUDIAN by the way
So that is what you think of yourself because you are not talking about me.
Your the sell out that makes it easy to distinguish between real Bermudians and status holders
The PLP were the sellouts.
Lame and silly comment…
I’m Bermudian and the only disrespect that has been shown is by Walton. Appalling comments.
Ronnie you must read a history book at some point – Ghandi – MLK are but 2 of many that used such tactics ….
Should it be a fact that there are more people ‘who look like me’ than do not, would the likes of Mr. Walton Brown call for acts of civil disobedience? He is out of touch and does not care one iota about the growth or survival of Bermuda and its people. Sad indeed.
Growth and survival is the OBA’ s WMD….I see huge / massive issues on the horizon
Good day all,
I am one of those who would be affected by this. First some history. Nearly 18 years ago (Feb 16, 1998) I first came to the island on an invite for an job in information technology. I had been working in the field professionally for 8-9 years prior to that. I was well qualified. Obviously I fell in love with Bermuda at first sight and realized right away that I could really enjoy working here a while. I never expected to be here more than a few years if that upon arrival.
Beyond the beauty of the island however, I was even more taken by its wonderful people. Bermudians, as a whole, I found to be the most hospitable, kindest, polite, good natured, good humored, and all around the most wonderful people I’ve ever been around. I have always been much the same sort of soul and so I honestly found myself fitting in quite well and acclimating quite quickly taking to culture swiftly and easily.
Bermuda has given me so much! I also matured as a person here so much by example of my Bermudian friends. Over the years I have tried to show my appreciation for that Bermudian acceptance and hospitality in all the small ways I could. Ive given to charity both organized and unorganized as much as Ive been able. Ive come to work each day over the last 18 years doing the best job I possibly can being nothing but 100% faithful to the employer (persons) who brought me to this wonderful place for the honored privilege and appreciation of another years work permit.
It has never escaped my mind once over the last 18 years that I am absolutely not more than a guest here in Bermuda and Bermudians are my wonderful perfect hosts. I have NEVER once held any opinion publicly or privately on any political matter because I am not a Bermudian and thus opinions of such a nature were not my business in my mind but for those who are citizens of this wonderful island. (Not that Im of a very political minded nature to begin with, mind you).
I have always known that any year given it could be my last year and it would be time to move on from the only home Ive known in 18 years. The longest in my life that I have ever lived in any single location to date. At a moment it all could pass and I would have to say good bye to the relationships, way of life and such wonderful friends I have in my life in a moments notice. I have always accepted this as a simple fact of life of being here and as simply the price I pay to be here. Since I never have known year to year if its my last year (even tho its been 18 now…it goes by so fast when you are happy!) Ive never bought a car (tho I would like to), Ive never really made any “major” purchases that would be difficult to sell or move. Believe it or not I even STILL have suitcases packed with belonging and clothing in my closet from 18 years ago I’ve never unpacked!
I dont know where the time goes.
Being able to apply for PRC (and eventually status) would be nothing to me more than the greatest PRIVILEGE and honestly most humbling moment of my entire life. To be fully accepted by a community and country I have loved so much would be beyond description to me. Being able to say “I am a Bermudian”, to me, would be the not only the highlight of my life but the greatest honor I could ever receive and I would say it with nothing but great pride for my entire life.
I have never once expected the privilege. I have never asked for the privilege. I have always fully accepted the fact that when it was my time to go “it was my time to go”. That said, should it be offered I would accept with humility and immense gratitude the honor of that privilege to be able to call myself your brother Bermudian.
I understand some of the concerns here but honestly Im nearly moved to tears on just reading today of the prospect of a dream come true. I promise I wouldn’t let any of you down ever should I be accepted as a permanent resident or someday citizen.
Good evening all!
Regards,
“Future Bermy?”
I’d like to add one thing to those with concerns/fears about this issue. Suddenly having PRC or status isn’t going to make me suddenly feel like Im on equal footing with Bermudians who are naturalized as such and been here since birth. In the back of my mind I will always know that Im still a guest. An accepted one but still a guest. Thats all really. It will just allow me to feel like not only do I belong but that I don’t have to worry any longer year to year and lose sleep over the fact that in a moments notice on a whim I could lose every friend I have and my residence and my belongings.
Thanks again for listening,
“Future Bermy”?
I would strongly suggest you share your story with the Ministry of Home Affairs in the coming weeks.
http://www.gov.bm/portal/index.pt/?open=512&objID=809&mode=2&in_hi_userid=2&cached=true
Ha! I wouldn’t even know how!
Im also usually the very very quiet type! Especially concerning political stuff lol. Not sure what you are suggesting. Like I should send them a letter or email?
I just assume that they would want to hear personal stories about ppl possibly affected by the policies. But understood!
someone actually disliked my message lol. I dont think I wrote anything bad??? Now Im sad lol
Sorry to hear that Future Bermy. Thank you for all that you have done for Bermuda…but my niece is due to finish her degree in your field in 2 years and it is your job that she needs. i mean you no harm but It is because of people like you that she cannot find a full-time job in her field. Now if Bermuda was as big as the United States than you would be welcomed to stay forever. However, the size of Bermuda is not being considered nor the amount of students here and abroad studying who cannot find employment or affordable housing because they are being occupied by foreigners. Sorry again, don’t take it personal. I have to look out for my people. Trust me this would never happen in Canada or anywhere else in the world considering the size of Bermuda.
With all due respect, this is something that Anguilla, Cayman and BVI are doing – all countries which are smaller than Bermuda and which are leaving Bermuda in their dust. So I don’t think that the big country / little country dichotomy holds any water. The economic multiplier effects from a competitive and dynamic immigration policy are the same regardless of the size of any service-oriented economy.
The reality is that Future Bermy? is not taking your niece’s job away. Close to 30 years in the field versus recently graduated – I hate to break it to you, but your niece is not taking Future Bermy?’s job regardless of the state of the economy. That’s simply an unrealistic expectation, regardless of which jurisdiction you’re in.
Maybe Future Bermy? when he gets status will invest his or her capital and decide to start an IT consultancy – 60/40 won’t apply after all. Maybe your niece will then get hired, together with two or three other young Bermudans. With close to 30 years in professional experience, Future Bermy? will have oodles of experience and expertise to share.
But on a philosophical level, Future Bermy? should be treated as an equal to a Bermudian given the time already logged in this island and future intentions, including your niece. As the Minister made clear, that is a requirement of international law, and nearly every other jurisdiction does this. Admittedly, that’s a moral judgment but it’s one that I and many others are willing to make.
Sam Smith, I respectfully suggest your niece would not be qualified for Future Bermy’s job when she graduates as he has 27 years experience in his field.
When your niece graduates in two years, if the economy in Bermuda continues to improve, I am sure she will find an entry level position that will gain her good experience to enable her to move up through the ranks.
A degree is a starting point, not an end point.
Peace
If you think a recent college graduate is going to get the job of a 20+ year experienced person, you are quite optimistic.
An MP calling for direct action – say what? That is outrageous and hope he is censured by the House.
Every single person on this island came from somewhere and it most certainly didn’t take 20 years of living here to gain status.
Bermuda’s population is shrinking. Bermuda’s population is aging. We need more people to live here, work here and contribute.
These individuals have been here for 20 years. They have brought up their children, lived as our neighbours, helped at our schools and contributed to our island.
How insular and short sighted not to be allowing them a pathway to become a Bermudian.
I applaud you OBA. This is exactly what our island needs and is the right thing to do for these individuals. Every developed country requires immigration to support their population. Every developed country has a pathway to becoming a citizen and it doesn’t take 20 years. Bermuda is no different.
Walton Brown, shame on you. These are your neighbours and deserve better from you.
Right maybe OBA should bring refugees from Syria, that would cover the under population
I’m sure you jest, but I think that would be a terribly noble and humanitarian thing to do and would support it completely. They should bring Syrian refugees in.
… yeah, the pee el pee started that already with some Uighur s, and ‘screwed’ that up too… !
I can see it now.
It’s not that far off.
Hope I am around to say ” I told you so”.
Shalom.
It may be it Walton Brown who has lost his mind!
Inciting civil disobedience…well Mr Brown I see you and many others have taken the bait hook line and sinker…go ahead with your little revolution…I’m sure you’re aware of how one works…you win some and you lose some…its happening all over the globe…The establishments incites wars, people flare up and gives them the reason they wanted to tighten the noose…Just not smart are you…educated but not intelligent.
Make sure you put up signs…I’d hate for them to get lost on the way. Maybe he’s hungry?
is OBA mad? Bermuda is already over populated and now you are going to allow more people to take more jobs from Bermudians.
The people have been here for years. It will not increase our population. Having lost thousands of residents in the past 5 years, we cannot be called over populated.
Seriously? How is someone living here for 15+ years taking jobs? It’s pretty obvious that Bermuda needs an outside workforce for the country to function. Should we rely on exports?
First, these things will not add a single person. These people are already here.
Second, we are not over populated. There are thousands of empty houses and apartments and hundreds of thousands of square feet of offices. Schools are becoming empty. The island needs more people and more activity. Read Larry Burchall’s opinion columns.
Didnt you hear the Minister? What he is essentially saying is that if challenged in Court, it is very likely that the Government would lose. This was bound to happen either way. Ever heard of the Human Rights Act or the European Convention on Human Rights? It is only because no one has challenged the status quo in the Courts (even if if means going all the way to the ECHR or the ECJ) why this gross unfairness/injustice has been allowed to persist for so long. Do you know how many professionals have left Bermuda over the years because of the uncertainty, professionals that the country would have invariably benefitted from. The economy would probably be in a much better shape today if these droves of professionals had had the option of a path to permanent residency and eventually, citizenship. Aren’t the detractors happy that Bermuda will no longer be in the same category as China and North Korea (when it comes to what is essentially the basic Human Rights of others), in light of Minister Fahy’s announcement. You all like to think of yourselves as progressive, but sadly, Bermuda was in that group of countries, as regards immigration policy. How is that for a wake up call?? I bet you didn’t know that, did you??
I guess you have not had a look at the job board to see all of the jobs available. It is not the employers fault if you have not qualified yourself to do any of the skilled work. It is not the employers responsibilty to provide you with a job.
There are many Bermudians out there looking for a job & hoping they never find it. Much too easy to get FA.
Just because plp started something in Bermuda at least we hoped OBA would fix thing for Bermudians
This is very sad–Walton–I do have respect for you–but really—this is a human rights issue and not a political one–
Please re-calibrate…
The OBA continue to overreach and this time they might have just gone over the edge…this country has not been this openly polarized in decades and the outcome looks increasingly toxic and bleak….
Oh it’s way more than a human rights issue and we all know it….
Stop with the BS
NO!!! He should not!!
He must stand firm for fairness and justice!!
To incite civil disobedience is treason in my opinion. These are proposed and not definite changes. We are a civilized and educated society, we should be able to work through anything without resorting to such knee-jerk reactions. Party politics is divisive and Walton is taking full advantage of the “us against them” mentality to promote some self serving agenda and perhaps create a distraction from some more pertinent issues.
Wise up everyone.
Will they have dual citizenship or will they be required to give up their original country and truly be bermudian or will I hear the phase 40 years from now that I’m going home now thanks Bda
Walton and Co. – Are another 680+ votes spread between Tucker’s Town, Point Shares, Fairylands and Paget East going to decide the next election? What are you all fretting about?
The police need to have a word with this guy inciting civil disobedience ????
As a Bermudian who was born here in Sandys Parish from two Bermudian Parents,lived here all 72 years of my life I think I qualify to be called a Permanent Bermudian Citizen.!Status Bermudian Citizens ,or Foreigners can apply for Temporary work permits. Residency Permits have a shelf Life and should be reviewed every so often.The children born here can apply for Bermuda status,at age 18 or the age of majority.Each case has to be dealt with on its merit and I have 7 children and 19 grandchildren all Bermudian and I guarantee that give me a few more good healthy years,that I can populate all of Bermuda,along with some of my good healthy friends.Status applications,should be considered,only after investigation thoroughly by The Immigration Department.These automatic Giveaway Citenships have to stop.Bermudian citizen- Citizenship is not…..up for grabs to the highest bidder or friends and family of any Person.Our legacy can not be bought,borrowed or stolen anymore by these water rats who just swim up to our shores like boll weavels looking for a home.Peace.
Oh. So you’re calling them “water rats”. Classy.
He knows, you know. He’s watching you. He knows what you meant when you wrote g-d. That’s dog backwards, and everyone knows it.
I support a pathway, but what is the plan….has an impact study been done after the first way…when is second wave…along with newly landed spouses and children….
Are we just flying blindly, hoping we don’t bump into anything..
With 4k Bermudian already unemployed….
They’ve been here 20 years. I think it’s unlikely they have a spouse and children tucked away in another country waiting to join them the minute they get status.
at some point everyone will eat……by peace or force..
What many fail to realize is that these “people” who may possibly gain PRC or Bermudian Status will not be “taking” any jobs from those already born Bermudian. The majority of people who can possible gain this right are already employed. This does not mean bringing in more “foreigners”. How many people visit Bermuda, later becoming married to a Bermudian and gain their rights but not many have a problem with how easy it is to marry a Bermudian and become Bermudian but have an issue with giving rights to those of have been here for many many years. This is the right thing to do these people have worked and contributed just as much as any other Bermudian. We should come together and work on better ways that all people of our community can be satisfied.
There are way more moderate black Bermudians who don’t want to be dragged back to the 1960′s than Walton thinks. He’s got it all wrong. Bermudians are smarter than the self proclaimed “most intelligent man that he knows.”
Dragged back to the sixties – do you even know what blacks endured in this country in the sixties ? What an uninformed person you are
I think he does and that’s the essence of his comment. What happened in the 1960s is nowhere near what is being proposed in this fair, humane policy. And for Walton to equate the racist policies of a bygone era with what is being proposed is highly irresponsible.
Is trying to incite a riot not illegal? Surely if quoted by an MP and through public forums it must be pretty close right……..
Just for some context, here’s what Marc Bean said in November 2014:
“We need to undertake fundamental immigration reform and the starting point is the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956. This reform process will have as an essential component an extensive public consultation component. It will address the issue of Bermuda status grants–how they are to be granted going forward and what criteria need to be met; what number of PRCs should be issued on an annual basis; and it will create a policy of equal political status for individuals in a family rather than the current circumstance where one sibling could hold Bermuda status and the other have no rights at all to permanent residence.”
Yes, maybe the public consultation component would have been welcome. But if you actually consider the detail of the OBA’s proposal then, except for the idea of yearly quotas (which is a terribly unfair idea and open to all sorts of abuse by future ministers), there really isn’t that wide a gap from the PLP’s vision.
@Rich
This could be why Walton is so incensed, especially after Bean kicked him to the curb.
I cannot believe the rhetoric of the delusional people who think that only white people are racist. I am a 71yr old Scottish male. As you may imagine I have travelled widely including Bermuda on many occasions. The only place that I have incurred any racist feeling towards myself has been in Bermuda. This has occurred on several occasions and have not been isolated incidents. I have always tried to treat people with respect and courtesy regardless of colour,creed or any other ethnic reason. Pity this has not been reciprocated in Bermuda. Also this behaviour was most prevalent in the middle aged and senior population and not the younger population. I no Longer regard Bermuda as my ideal holiday destination and it will be a long time before I return.
So why come here to comment? Stop talking BS and join the rest of the the sheep.
Mr Divine hopefully you will return to Bermuda soon and lunch will be on me for your whole family at Bermuda Bistro all the best.
Funny we hear so much about the rights of non-Bermudian residents coming out of the mouth of a OBA politician who claim that Bermudians have no national rights; which he meant rights that he is not bound to respect; this along with the statement of his terrible twin in the senate that;” born Bermudians are nothing more than accidental births and not on the same level as her self which was granted Bermuda status. whither the Bermudian and his national rights in his own country.
How can an MP of any party, race, colour, religion etc expect any respect if he speaks & acts as Mr Brown has. For an MP to call for civil disobedience is the height of irresponsibility and a his grace to his position. If there isn’t a law against inciting civil disobedience/unrest/violence there should be. I’m sure Mr Brown enjoys his human rights – why can’t everyone else. They should not be elective!!!
In fact – rather than Bermudians demonstrating, why don’t all you expats withdraw your labor for a week. Let’s see how we get on then.
The island would shut down within hours. When the BIU goes on strike it is inconvenient but we can get by without their services.
If the foreign labour withdrew their services for a start, who would be left running the hospital? Who would be left running IT services? Who would be left doing any of the high skilled work that feeds work to lower skilled employees?
The only organisation left running would be the Civil Service & even the need for their services would dry up in very short order as foreigners in various capacitys stop sending work for the Civil Service to do.
Alvin I appreciate you for always having The { Gumption } to sign your name to all your comments from day one,since you have been making comments.Shows true P.L.P. grit ,determination,and fearlessness.Mark of a P.L.P. supporter.Not like those Punk O.B.A.cowards who are always trying to hide their identity,like the low life scum that they are.Peace.But we know them by their thinking.Man means mind,and they cant hide their Devilish mind.
Any rage issues Takbir? Take your meds or pass the breathalyzer before posting again, Freindly advice from a born Bermudian.