Immigration Policy, Politics Of Population Change
[Updated] Walton Brown will deliver a free public lecture on “Immigration Policy and the Politics of Population Change: Historical Perspectives” on December 3rd at 6:00pm at the Dr E F Gordon Memorial Hall, Bermuda Industrial Union.
“There is considerable interest in immigration policy today and as we contemplate new policy I have been encouraged to provide the historical context to enhance our understanding of this issue.” Mr Brown stated.
Mr Brown is the MP for C#17 Pembroke Central, representing the PLP. He earned his Bachelors in Political Studies from Queen’s University and his Masters in Political Science from York University.
The author of the Bermuda Literary Award winning “Bermuda and the Struggle for Reform: Race, Politics and Ideology, 1944-1998,” Mr Brown taught politics and history for twelve years at Bermuda College, and is manages the research consultancy Research Innovations.
The topic has recently been in the public spotlight following comments in the Throne Speech and the official reply to the Throne Speech.
In his post-Throne Speech press briefing, Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy said, ““The Immigration and Protection Act 1956 makes it clear that a Permanent Resident Certificate [PRC] holder who acquired a PRC under the provisions of Clause 31B in the Act cannot pass their residency rights on to their children – this provision has created a state of limbo and uncertainty for children born to these parents that needs to be resolved for the sake of the individuals and children who are affected.
“Another area of Immigration that we will be looking at this year will be the concept of Commercial Immigration. We expect to engage the community in a robust discussion around global trends that are being employed to facilitate direct inward investment. You will know that stimulating the economy continues to be the mission of this Government.”
In his reply to the Throne Speech, Opposition Leader Marc Bean said “The attempt to grant status is modern day wickedness against one’s own people of the highest order, and no amount of vile, deceptive propaganda, no amount of coordinated public relations via surrogates who claim to be non partial and pro Bermudian, will be able to justify these activities.”
“As our elders know, this move is has nothing to do with economics, and everything to do with the political sorcery of solidifying one’s power by altering Bermuda’s voting base,” Mr Bean said.
Update 11.18am: The date listed was originally in November, however has been pushed back to 3 December.
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So with an aging population and no money in the kitty, how do we provide for our elders if we don’t entice people to stay? Putting down roots is the best way to keep them engaged. Whats wrong with the few children of PRC holders who live here, mostly since birth, being granted status? They are Bermudian in upbringing, there friends are here etc. One might say they will likely be great contributors to our society. I am not so much in favour of granting citizenship to the highest bidder however.
LOTS OF JOBS created for locals…
http://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/2013/11/15/park-hyatt.html
Great. Bermudians want to go forward and the PLP are hell bent at looking in the rear view mirror! Let is never forget the injustices of the past but come on PLP! Walton, you should know better. We need your intellect on what we need to go forward.
This same principle needs to be applied in the Department of Immigration. The administrative processes are in some cases reminiscent of the 1970/80s and the leadership styles are VERY autocratic despite operating in a modern framework.
Here are a few examples of the Stone Age approach to administration:
Very paper based (I guess the answer is because you need to “verify” the authenticity of a document). Most other jurisdictions have moved towards more accessibility to online forms with increased functionality.
No continuity in process or decision. Each case is dealt with individually but case studies will prove that typical cases should be approached in typical fashion by all officers or inspectors or whatever they want to be called.
Leaders are very do as I say not as I do. There is one who has an earpiece all the time who has definitely been there too long. Over inflated egos for a job that requires constant training and policy upgrading.
Leaders do not listen due to their “high horse” attitude of “Um bin hur all this time and made this department what it is – but none much of it if any at all is written policy that is available readily nor is it supported by Legislation.
Bravo Min. Fahey for trying to MODERNISE this department also – Planning and Immigration respectively
I know there may be some fallout from this little post but I could write a policy paper on the revamp that the CIO – Dr. Ming would probably like to get her hands on and implement.
“Implementation” is another poor area. Policies are always evolving but the dissemination of information is akin to a schoolyard where it is delivered via a whisper here and a whisper there but no collective or centralized method of delivering changes that the staff may effectively put into action.
New policy in some cases means remind/revise/re-train……………