PLP To Host Town Hall On Immigration & Status
The Progressive Labour Party will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday [June 26] at Devonshire Rec, with the topic of discussion to be immigration and Bermuda status.
PLP Leader Marc Bean said, “Immigration policy in Bermuda has historically been used to deny Bermudians opportunities, create social division and preserve political power for the few.
“The latest attempt to grant Permanent Residency Certificate holders the right to compete with Bermudians for jobs, buy property and vote is one that the PLP opposes and with your support, intends to ensure, never becomes a reality. ”
“The PLP’s position is that Bermuda must work for Bermudians and that’s why we are looking to provide concerned Bermudians with facts and a way forward to protect the birthright of our people.
“We encourage the public to join us as we discuss this critical issue that affects not just Bermudians of today, but potentially will radically reshape Bermuda for generations to come.”
“The PLP’s Town Hall Meeting on Immigration and Bermuda Status to be held at Devonshire Rec on Thursday June 26 at 5:30pm is free and open to the public,” added Mr. Bean. “For further information please contact the PLP on 292-2264 or visit our Facebook page.”
A recent Court ruling in the matter of Carne and Correia, essentially means that there is, under current legislation, a pathway to status for Permanent Residence Certificate [PRC] holders.
Shadow Minister for Immigration & External Affairs Walton Brown has called for government to suspend applications for Bermuda status that fall under section 20B, and work on comprehensive immigration reform.
Attorney General Trevor Moniz said that Government has filed an appeal against the Chief Justice’s judgment in the Court of Appeal which they said will “allow the opportunity for further Government review of the matter.”
In a statement issued earlier this month, a Govt. spokesperson said, “Since the judgment, the Chief Immigration Officer has reported that the Department has been inundated with applications for persons seeking status as a result.
“And of this group, 115 have already been naturalised with a further estimated 1,340 possibly eligible to make an application for naturalisation.”
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Articles that link to this one:
- Opinion: Marc Bean On Birthright Of Bermudians | Bernews.com | June 26, 2014
- OBA: “Enough Of The Rhetoric” On PRC & Status | Bernews.com | June 26, 2014
Don’t waste your time. Re-educate, Re-tool, Re-load, and Re-apply
I read that 82% of these 115 people are black and 60% of those are registered PLP members.
Point is – it’s irrelevant. Do the right thing. End of story.
“WELL SAID IAN”……I just read Ian comments and they are brilliant.
Ian, Thanks for your extremely informative and balance comments in regards to this issue. You have done a great job of presenting FACTS in regards to this matter. You seem to have consider all the key facts as it relates to this issue.
I have enjoyed reading your perspective on this serious issue of PRCs. IT is indeed a serious issue, and a “Comprehensive Review of our Immigration Laws” is very significant moving forward.
The government must take a complete look at this matter from a deeper perspective and the overall social, economic, political, racial, sociological factors that will have on Bermuda, not just today but in the long-term.
NO one is as Sir. John Swan says “Entitled to anything”, this sense of “Entitlement” by the PRCs is killing Bermuda. This matter has to carefully reviewed and examined.
Well presented Ian. Hang in there. Brilliant comments !!
PRC’s already can work here without issue – why the issue with granting them status? The only thing that changes is their right to vote… Is that the real issue at hand?
MB’s comment about immigration policy being used to deny Bermudian’s opportunities is a politicized joke – why did so many Black Bermudian’s lose jobs post 2008? Because Col Burch and Dr. Brown chased the job makers out and send the jobs with them…
We need immigration. We need jobs. We need a balanced perspective. We need to work together. This is how we protect the “birthright of all Bermudian’s”.
Of course it’s the right to vote. They don’t “look like” the core PLP supporter (despite the party’s claims that they aren’t based on race) and, after the PLP has spent years dumping on foreigners, those new Bermudians aren’t likely to support the party that denied them their basic human rights for …
Institutionalized Racism, a part of Bermuda’s rich History !!!!!!!!!
I applaud the PLP for having a dialouge on this issue.
I do hope the discussion takes a balanced fair approach and into consideration elements of human rights upon which ALL people in modern socities should place the utmost importance.
My fingers are crossed this talk isn’t self serving and politicized.
Hope springs eternal.
Looks like your hopes have been ruined already, if you read the article. Just more divisive pot stirring.
“PLP Leader Marc Bean said, “Immigration policy in Bermuda has historically been used to deny Bermudians opportunities, create social division and preserve political power for the few.”
Look at Bermuda history fact not pot stirring read a little the wonderful thing about documented history truth face it Bermuda history is not a good one where black Bermudian are concerned Sad really SMDH
The 14 years of PLP rule did nothing, I agree. A whole generation.
Those disgruntled now should be disgruntled with the PLP.
They will never get it Evie.
Believe me they will ,and quite rightly so .
@ Hmmm: “You’ve hit the nail upon its head” with quoting that one sentence from Marc Bean…Shame yes…but true
I will be there!
Me too.
I wasn’t invited and if it’s anything like the last town hall meeting you might need a special wristband to get in.
http://bernews.com/2010/04/large-turnout-david-burch-term-limit-meeting/
Didn’t realize that PRC holders were subject to job restrictions?
Wait a minute, they aren’t. So how will they be a detriment job opportunities?
Also, the OBA has not in any shape or form attempted to grant status to PRC holders. They actually appealed the ruling and have stated a review is to be undertaken in terms of our immigration policy.
Once again the PLP is reckless with the truth (i.e. lies again) as a means to rile up emotions against people that don’t believe belong in Bermuda, by having the Bermuda public believe that somehow we will all be disadvantaged by these nasty, blood sucking foreigners.
Sounds a little Idi Aminish/Tea Party to me.
Your posts always sound so desperate. What a joker…
Another enlightened reply from the person who consistenly complains about people not attacking the message and then calls them names and admonishes them based on what you think their skin color may or may not be.
Now do you admit that what I stated is the truth, while what the PLP is claiming is patently false?
If not then please show me where the OBA has stated that they will grant the PRC citizenship. All I have seen is that another poorly crafted piece of PLP legislation having consequences that they abhor with the curretn Government APPEALING the decision and embarking on a comprehensive immigration review which even Mr. Walton Brown noted as being necessary.
In temrs of the claim that PRC holders will negatively affect the Bermudian job market, please explain any employment restrictions currently in place. You can’t, because there are none and PRCs can apply and be employed in any sector of Bermduda.
The above that I posted are undeniable facts, while what Mr. Bean and the PLP noted in their press release are blatant lies spewed with the intention of riling up emotions based on a nationalistic sentiment against these people.
So they essentially emulated what Idi Amin did against the Indians in the ’70s and what the Tea Party is preaching now against Pres. Obama’s proposed immigration reforms.
LiarLiar, it is no surprise to anyone who has been here for longer than 30 years that the issue of “human rights” (as its so affectionately referred to) for PRC-holders, through the granting of status, is the hot topic of the day post OBA ascension to power. I emphasize, NO SURPRISE.
It is no surprise that at the 11th hour (literally the last possible day), they announced an appeal. We already know they (OBA) have no expectations of the appeal being successful; they have already released press speaking to that iro of the consul they have received.
It will be no surprise when, after that, the OBA will do little to nothing to pump the breaks on the scores of folks applying for status. Look how many have been naturalized so far.
People arent stupid. For some reason it seems to only be OBA supporters that dont know (or dont admit to know) what to expect of their party. EVERYTHING they have done so far has been within the expectations/predictions of those that observe with caution.
So please stop insulting peoples intelligence with your ridiculous assessments of reality.
Ian…you’re still on about this. so…if the OBA appeal, it doesn’t matter because they know they’re going to lose and if the don’t appeal, it’s because they don’t care. So you have just said no matter what they to try and fix this PLP error/ loophole, they can’t win. Mmmmm?
Missing the point as usual. The so-called loop hole to citizenship was a ruling/judgement against a Government policy that had clear intent, which in itself questions the relevance of a Governments role in setting and upholding/enforcing law. This is about the expectations of the OBA going forward to preserve the intent of the PRC policy. People can talk about PLP drafting less-than-air-tight policy all they want, but its not like this loophole is something that was realized by the UBP/BDA/OBA until recently. We will watch to see whether the OBA falls back on deceptive practices to ‘capitalize’ on this or correct the issue in a fair, balanced way that honors the original intent of the PRC policy and the rights of people from elsewhere who are committed to foregoing their homeland citizenships to be Bermudian.
So if all the PRC’s were black, from the islands, and inclined to vote PLP, what would be your view?
Why are you bringing race into it? Has nothing to do with whether they are black or white… Thats what you and the comrads assume, predictably. And quite frankly I have an easier time relating to foreigners from the US and UK than the islands for the most part.
Each and everyone of your posts relate this issue to race and now you say “why are you bringing race into it?”
Read the racist diatribes that you have written on this thread alone.
You are sick person with a lot of pent up anger.
You and your team hate gays, hate whites, hate foreigners, hate blacks who are not dyed in green.
To put it simply you are part of the problem.
PS Still waiting for you to answer my queries above about the PLP leader blatantly lying in his press release above. Please respond with an actual answer as opposed to some racist deflection.
Actually my posts relate to Bermudians and PRC-holders/Non-Bermudians. Any reference to whites is likely iro Bermuda’s past and their lack of involvement (traditionally) in any political group/association not tied to the UBP/BDA/OBA.
I am not a ‘racist’ as you guys insist and havent made a single racist comment. Being racist would imply I hate my white mother and all of my REAL white friends that DONT feel uncomfortable discussing this stuff without presuming the racist/xenophobe/anti-foreigner/anti-gay foolishness you folks come with. There is no TEAM and/or indoctrination. I think for myself which is something a lot of you guys, through sheer arrogance/narrow-mindedness, have a hard time coming to terms with…
Furthermore Im as happy go lucky as they come. Good job, surrounded by good people (black, white, grey, foreign, local). Doesnt prevent me from being honest with myself when it comes to the truth about the world we live in.
Long thread so feel free to reiterate the question regarding lies and a press release.
Ian,
Read your posts like the above patter said.
Read your rants about not liking white Bermudians and preferring white foreigners instead. Hope you tell your white friends how you feel about them.
Read your constant use of the phrase people like you. Thought stereotyping was bad and ignorant?
Read your constant use of race and/or simplicity labeling of others who don’t agree with your views.
Read your constant ignorant explanations as to who you feel are ‘real Bermudians’ and who consider isn’t (as if you have granted yourself some authority to decide this).
Seriously just read what you have written on this post alone and tell me that you can’t see the anger and hatred you portray against people whose views don’t jive with yours. I don’t care if you have a white, purple or green mother. You are hatefulness, spiteful and all around nasty person.
You are a perfect example as to why you don’t see whites flocking in droves to support for the PLP. You are the exact reason why only one segment of the island supports the PLP as of now. You exemplify everything that is wrong with Bermuda as of right now. As stated above you are part of the problem.
Now ask yourself why that is the case but both the UBP and now the OBA have the ability to attract support a cross section and a much better representation of our islands demographics. That is a simple answer. Those institutions do not look to ostracize certain segments of the population or demean them at each and every chance they have. That is something the PLP does to whites, blacks who don’t agree with them, gays, foreigners and anyone else they deem to be their enemy.
In the end you are a nasty piece of work that has some serious anger issues that you need to deal with personally, much like the Party who support.
And on top of that you refuse to answer the above poster’s simple question as to whether your beloved Marc Bean lied in his above press release. I can only imagine that is because the truth hurts just like the truth that people are calling you on concerning your disgusting mindset.
Now rant on you bigoted, racist and narrow minded individual. That’s all you got in the end.
Well said Ian, only one who is presented a balance argument and FACTS, great Ian..
Funny,
I think the violinist passed out form exhaustion durin your impassioned, drown-out rant.
But thanks nonetheless for investing/wasting so much energy telling me about ME. It was very… enlightening?
The day you start being honest with yourself about the history behind the lack of white involvement in ‘black’ political movements is the day we can have a conversation based in reality.
As it stands you actually believe black involvement in the UBP and OBA starts with “representation” rather than a higher willingness of blacks to get involved in a party that predominantly represents white elitist and foreign interests.
You are delusional if you think whites steer clear of the PLP (which has ALWAYS been the case) for reasons other than an almost inate distrust and/or lack of confidence in a predominantly black leadership.
Doesnt make me racist; I talk to my white friends about this stuff. Its simply the truth unlike your exercise in denial. It seems the people (like you) who are most sensitive to my comments, reacting with words like racist/xenophobe etc should question your own discomfort with the way I talk. Whites that I know to not have a racist bone in their body feel perfectly comfortable.
Trying to put some facts back into the debate, the Immigration Dept refused the original application, it then went to Immigration Tribunal who overruled the Dept. After that ruling, the Minister (OBA) Appealed and it went to the Supreme Court where the Chief Justice ruled against the Dept/Minister. So in fact the OBA has now Appealed twice. Just saying, but let’s not let facts and truth get in the way of what others want to put out.
Well said Ian…brilliant comments… best presentation of FACTS in regards to this serious issue. ….
“Immigration policy in Bermuda has historically been used to deny Bermudians opportunities, create social division and preserve political power for the few.”
Since we let that Green family into Bermuda and gave them status as “paper Bermudians” there’s been limited opportunities for Bermudians. Stop letting those rich people in here. They just want to use Bermuda to create work for us. We don’t need to improve our lot. We’re happy fishing off the rocks for our dinner. Jobs just get in the way.
They also let in that guy Dr. Gordon. See what happened after that? Now we have unions and collective bargaining agreements.
Lets not forget allowing Dame Evans’ parents to come and stay in BDA.
These nasty foreigners and paper Bermudians are nothing but a detriment to our people and our prosperity.
Bermuda for indigenous Bermudians!!
Why are you mentioning the Greens? They are Bermudians. This is about the wave of PRC-holders the OBA wants to make Bermudian with one fell swoop! And everyone knows why!
I can set my watch to when you when you will have one of your narrow minded “Real” Bermudian vs. paper Bermudian rants and throw all your toys out of the crib.
I can set my watch to your substanceless reponses and name calling… But if you care to grow up for a split second, please explain to the class where I have ranted about paper vs real Bermudians…
If anything said at the meeting makes you think negatively about one race or another, then the meeting is intended to divide.
Where have you ranted about ‘real Bermudians’…?
I only went back a couple of days. It wasn’t hard to find a few examples…
June 21 : Ian: “….they (PRC’s) should get the opportunity to complete with average REAL Bermudians for property ownership…”
June 21: “…the fact REAL Bermudians are experiencing home foreclosures is hardly a blip….”
June 22: “This Govt has made life easier for foreigners/work-permit-holders, PRC holders”
June 21: “This Peoples Campaign bunch have been very above board in representing real concerns of real Bermudians”
June 21: “the comments of the people here speaking negatively against the Peoples Campaign. Clearly they are white OBA supporters”
hahaha you just got him with facts. somethin they kno nuttin about!!!
Costello, is that the extent of your contribution or are you cool with just mindless cheerleading?
Ian doesn’t realize what a xenaphobic, divisive nasty person he has become. His life will be a bitter and fruiless one unless he wakes up from his indocrination.
serengeti, i’m flattered you put the effort into diarizing by comments. I make reference to real Bermudians regularly. I would like to think however Anon [who should be able to speak from him/herself] was speaking in the context of this thread.
I didn’t need to ‘diarize’ anything. Your diatribes pitting ‘real Bermudians’ against the rest of the world in your tiny twisted warped mind, are all over the place.
Any other names and insults you care to throw at me while youre at it?
Did I call you a name? No.
Were you insulted when I reminded you of your comments? Apparently.
Was it the comment about the size and nature of your mind? Probably. Yet you can throw out comments about “mindless cheerleading” and tell people to “grow up for a split second”, and that’s somehow ‘different’ I guess.
…sadly, every day in every single post if someone reads between the lines.
So when you called somebody a “joker” earlier, you weren’t name calling? but yet you are calling someone else a name caller?
Now you can go through a single thread and tally up how many time your comrades refers to someone who doesn’t agree with them as an idiot, dummy, blind, racist, xenophobe etc etc etc… Don’t be a hypocrite Ms Dump…
What makes you say they are my comrades? I disagree with all name calling from diehard PLPers and OBAers. I want to see pros and cons from both sides.
Let me tell you something poppa, I am a broke black Bermudian who is struggling every month to pay my bills. At the end of each month, with frugal spending and money management, I still sometimes come up short. I just don’t agree with the PLP’s policies. I don’t agree that they are the best solutions. So because I feel that way, you brand me a racist, a white OBA supporter etc. Well guess what Ian, not all your so called “real bermudians” agree with what they hear coming from your beloved god, the PLP.
I see you like to use a name similar to me.. WEll that says it all does it….
So you’re a hypocrite then?
And everyone knows why you and the PLP are gung-ho on preventing it from occurring.
Which one is more moral? The denying of human rights for political gain or the granting of human rights for political gain?
The PLP have been very transparent about their concerns regarding how such an extreme move would COMPLETELY remove the traditional dynamic of elections here being determined by a handful of folks, namely real democracy.
And as I have said before, this has become a “human rights” issue since the OBA came into power. Why would people live in a country for over 25 years if they felt their human rights were being violated FOR OVER 25 YEARS?!
Why would you leave a country you’ve been living in for 25 years you dummy! How much they pay you round there? SMH
Oooo more name calling from Costello. You guys are so angry…
To answer your question, it wouldn’t take me 25 years to realize I’m not happy here genius.
Thug
Are you really calling other posters angry?
You need to read your posts and the unbridled hatred and downright racism that you spew.
Your constant use of people like you is just one example.
You need help.
I need help thinking more like you?
So which one is a more moral approach?
So you are saying that this would force the PLP to diversify their voting dynamic, rather than just relying on flogging old emotions to keep the same voting dynamic. That would truly be progressive
And everyone knows why?
ummm…because its generally considered undemocratic to allow someone to work, reside and own property in a country for 20 years and still deny them the right to vote. Is that why?
This argument should really start with the question – Why should we not allow PRCs to vote?
If your answer is “because they might not vote for my particular political party” then you really need to ask yourself some tough questions about what kind of a democracy you actually believe in.
‘Generally’, countries with more active emigration programs are SIGNIFICANTLY larger than Bermuda.
As for your question, I have no doubt there are people here that know exactly what it translates to for local politics if the islands PRCs were given the right to vote, including/particularly the current government. You try to reason from this koombayah, “human rights” position, which has no basis in the reality of what the OBA is truly trying to orchestrate right now.
Is it by coincidence everything they have done to pave the way for the likes of PRC-holders and other non-Bermudians has been predicted well in advance?
Do you really think true democracy is a scenario where a segment of generational Bermudians, who account for at least half of the voting populous, effectively have their voices taken away and given to a group of people that have simply been here for 25 years?
And thats before we even start talking about the shift in dynamics on the property ownership front, beyond what has already been facilitated through changes the OBA have made since coming into power.
Cant help but notice how the tally stacks when comparing what the OBA has don’t to directly benefit non-Bermudians vs Bermudians since coming into office.
Ah, so human rights only apply if you are large enough country to handle the results. Otherwise you can treat people however you want regardless of what is regarded as morally correct. Good to know where you stand. I was taught, and raise my children in the same manner, that doing the right thing is easy when it doesn’t cost you anything. It’s a lot harder when it means you might lose something, but you need to do the right thing anyway.
I am Bermudian. I believe in a path to citizenship and that people who live here, work here, and are part of the community here, and support our island, should have a say in how we are governed.
Oh yeah… I forgot, this is about “human rights” all of a sudden (post election). Couldnt possibly have anything to do with the OBA’s desire to bolster their voting base. That would just be too inconsistent with the infallable sanctity and noble conduct traditionally associated with local politics and social alchemy.
And for the record, giving a possible 6000 folks status with one fell swoop does not necessarily translate to an appropriate, balanced path to citizenship does it…
Ian, the law was passed by the PLP government. The OBA has taken legal steps to appeal against the court rulings relating to the PLP law, twice.
This is all a result of action that was taken by the PLP. If the PLP hadn’t been so incompetent, this might not have happened.
The PLP is now pretending it’s about “taking jobs away from real Bermudians” (which it can’t be), or “taking houses away from real Bermudians” (which it can’t be), or “denying opportunities to real Bermudians” (which it can’t be).
We all know what the PLP is concerned about, Ian.
So the PLP are anti-foreigner for passing a law in the first place that acknowleged the rights for long term residents to be here?
Then theyre incompetent for drafting it in a way that wasnt ‘air-tight’ (despite its clear intent) to what were clearly tedious, persistent efforts to get around that intent?
And your saying this might not have happened as if the OBA is bending over backwards to return policy back in line with its original intent… Save your ‘logic’ for the idiots.
As for concerns, no one including folks like Walton Brown is hiding the fact that an unprecedented move to add 1% OF OUR TOTAL POPULATION of status holders will drastically disrupt the political balance here whereby elections are traditionally decided by a few, namely true balanced democracy.
It’s always been about human rights. I’m half portuguese, and the PLP seemed to understand the human rights element years ago when it spoke up and welcomed the Portuguese into the community and advocated for this part of our community to be treated as equal, when the UBP wouldn’t provide or advocate for status. So it was OK then, but somehow it’s different now? I supported the PLP on this issue, and I support a path to citizenship now.
My views are consistent. The real question is, why aren’t yours?
It’s always been about human rights. I’m half portuguese, and the PLP seemed to understand the human rights element years ago when it spoke up and welcomed the Portuguese into the community and advocated for this part of our community to be treated as equal, when the UBP wouldn’t provide or advocate for status. So it was OK then, but somehow it’s different now? I supported the PLP on this issue, and I support a path to citizenship now.
My views are consistent. The real question is, why aren’t yours?
PS Where do you get 6000 from? Evidence please?
If I can drop in here. The 6,000 is a figment of propaganda. On the eve of the 2007 election Dr Ewart Brown stated that the Opposition wanted to grant citizenship to 8,000 people. That was later proven by the PLP themselves to be a lie. Christopher Famous has recently tried to fire up emotions with similar numbers. The only time it might have some truth is if Bermuda sought Independence because very large numbers would be eligible for citizenship, though unlikely all would want it. Let’s put the current issue into perspective. How many non Bermudians have married Bermudians and have, or after 10 years will, receive Status since 1998? I don’t know and won’t guess but that is OK. Why, why is that different?
No one is having their voice taken away. We’re providing a voice to people who in my view have earned it. Is 25 years too short a time for you?
I’m curious about this new term “generational Bermudians” however. How many generations are we talking about, two, six.
Maybe we should just restrict voting to those people who can trace their lineage back to the original settlers in the 1600s.
I believe the late Mrs Green was in fact a ‘real Bermudian’ so it wasn’t quite a case of giving them status or ‘papers’ as such .
I don’t think that by Ian’s definition, sadly Mrs. Green was ever a Real Bermudian.
Thats because you, like most of your mates, are convinced you have the ability to know how all colored, non-OBA-supporting Bermudians think. Its arrogance at its finest.
People like you could never conceive that “someone like me” could recognize Mrs MJ Green as a fine example of good real Bermudian. Nor could you begin to process my appreciation for the work Peter and her sons have done to contribute to KEMH in the wake of her passing.
And thats why I have little to no time for “people like you”.
you should not have gone there that guy Gordon or should I say DR.GORDON did a lot to help inprove life for Bermudians yes we got a union and we also got the right to vote the green family have also contributed a lot to tourism $70m in renovating princess
so not all prc’s are bad for Bermuda all that needs to be done is this with are small land mass we just can’t take on any more people
simple
We are not taking on any more people – geesh – how hard is this to understand?
In the context of property ownership, jobs and politcal dynamics, youre darn right we’re taking on A LOT of people if the OBA had their way.
These people have been doing just that for 25 years now, working, living, property, so why complain now?! Ian or whoever you are, the only ting that would change is WHETHER THEY HAVE STATUS! Guess the only thing you’re worried about is votes, which wouldn’t really change.
Jobs…wrong.
Property…minimal and potentially outweighed by economic benefits.
Political dynamics…conjecture but if you’re worried find a way to appeal to a broader cross section. Be dynamic.
Ian, PRCs can already own property, albeit only recently, they already have jobs and have had those jobs for over 25 years so what are you on about?….political dynamic? Ah yes…..that’s it. But this loophole or rather oopshole problem was caused by the very party now protesting it. Ironic. It’s almost like scoring on your own goal
SMH get your facts straight about property ownership before you remove all doubt that you’re not the sharpest tack.
Did you really just say PRCs can own property as of recently? PRCs have been subject to the same purchasing requirements as foreigners for years. Can you tell us what those requirements are buddy???
Now can you tell us how they have changed as of recent [14 months]?? Now can you tell us how much more of the housing market PRC holders would have access to if granted status… and how that would affect the supply for real generational Bermudians that should have that birthright?
You can use a calculator if you want…
I don’t really think that many PRCs would be jumping to dominate the real estate market methinks. Many of them are 50+ years old and already planning retirement.
Furthermore they won’t be able to pass on status to their kids unless miracles start happening and 50 year olds start having kids again. The law as it stands clearly states pre-1989 PRC holders.
Any PRCs I know either rent and have no intention of buying or have paid their pound of flesh already and have a home here.
That is incorrect. PRC’s have been allowed to purchase property that foreign buyers could not small exclusions, such as could not purchase government sponsored condos and the freehold house had an ARV greater than $63,600. The main difference between Bermudian and PRC buyers was the additional license fee (tax) levied on PRC buyers. The temporary tax reduction for PRC buyers is what is recent.
All of this information is publicly available.
* with small exclusions
Unfortunately this is the side effects of nationalistic politics and the misinformation spread by zealous politicians.
The truth becomes a secondary concern while trying to win your argument becomes front and center. The PLP press release is ridiculed with lies as a means to instill fear amongst the public. It is a tried and tested method used by unscrupulous politicians around the globe.
So my issue is if the PLP can’t state the truth in a press release about their information session what is the likelihood that the information presented will be unbiased, impartial and accurate? I would say slim to none.
Frank,
These people have been here for at lest a quarter of a century, with many being on our shores for much longer. Therefore, there will be no influx of people as they have been with us all this time.
Cookies & koolaid will be served with a suitable donation.
I’m hopin’ there be some ganja tea …….
you sound like MR P. smh
I thought it would be tea!
You people are so lame…
Nope… you don’t name call
They need to get their own chat show.
sounds like you have had your first drink or shots
Propaganda … PLP are very good at propaganda. Bogey Man politics.
All political parties are good at propaganda…
….but it is ALL the PLP are good at.
You continue to bore and waste space on this blog Hmmmm…
Yet you still read and comment. Hmmm
So was Hitler.
If the PLP’s policies and rhetoric were good, they wouldn’t have to worry about people who don’t look like them getting the vote cuz we’d all vote for them! But because the PLP’s agenda is backwards, they have to resort to this bitch-fest. SMH.
Thats false… Bermuda does not have a history of whites and “paper Bermudians” voting for a black party. PERIOD.
That’s probably because since their inception they have and continue to state that they do not have any inclination to support these types of people. Funny enough you just reterated that belief with your claim that the PLP is a black party and not one that seeks inclusiveness or unity within the island’s demographics. And that was further backed up by your claim of ‘paper Bermudians.’
Actually they have pretty much preached against them and others since they formed.
An example being the time that Col. Burch hung up on a caller to a talk show once he confirmed that she was white. Or the claim that they would only give Government contracts ‘to people that look like them.’
There are plenty more examples, but I imagine you will excuse them and state how such statements are different when they come from what you labeled as the ‘black party.’
You have to look at it from a different perspective sometimes I guess. But may I suggest you examine the rhetoric being spewed by the Tea Party against the proposed immigration reforms and reconcile it back to yours. You might not like the similarities that you find, but I am pretty sure you will dismiss them as well as being different somehow.
Have a Bermudaful day you ‘real Bermudian’ you:)
Double D… play word/spin games all you want… You know exactly what context I speak in when I say traditionally whites and “paper Bermudians” do not vote for a ‘black’ party. And you SHOULD know exactly what the history of that is if you’re a ‘real Bermudian’.
And then to have the gull to talk about about ‘inclusiveness’. White Bermudians, in general, have NO interest in being part / included in ‘black’ groups. We all know it so dont play dumb. Heck, I even joke about that with my white friends!
Why dont you take a moment to go back history so that you can recall the state of this island (at the hands of whites) that lead to the formation of the PLP. Lets see how often you people throw words like ‘racist’ at PLP supporters if you could, by some means, spend a year witnessing the atrocities of those days.
You think the sentiments towards the traditional power structure here and who that power center aligns its interest with is something PLP supporters are new to??? WAKE UP!
Rightfully admonishing past injustices whilst wrongfully supporting them now.
And everything you have talked about is the past, we live in the present, far from a perfect one, but one that has evolved from the mistakes of the past, lessons taught through the struggles of many, of all colours and nationalities. The trouble is the PLP have not evolved with society, they still like to shout about a boogey man under the bed as being the cause of problems. They like to point in any direction they can, except their own. They lead by the past and not with a future. Mr. Bean’s own statement about this ‘town hall’ meeting shows he is less interested in actually discussion the issue and more interested in having a rally to push his views. The hypocrisy of him and the PLP is that they would not share these views if we were talking bout this immigration issue preventing someone like Dr. Gordon from getting status. Face it, they are scared that they may never be able to get power again, because, that is all they are after, it has been that way for over 2 decades, power at any cost, party before country.
I’m sorry but are you serious with that ridiculous attempt to lump all PLP / Non-OBA supporters in a bucket. In all fairness I suppose doing that makes the world an easier place to understand.
As for fears related to controlling political power, as yourself to what extent is the OBAs fears of losing power playing into ‘sudden’ “human rights” campaign and push for status for PRC holders.
Two sides to every coin less the Truth.
I am not an OBA supporter, I support neither political party as my vote must be earned and not counted as a member, I just know that right now they are the best chance to fix this country, and every time Mr. Bean talks convinces me more and more that I did not waste my vote in the last election.
As for the potential voting pool issue, the OBA didn’t create it, but hey, another bad piece of PLP legislation gave them an opening, and as I’ve eluded to before, if the PLP is unwilling to evolve to embrace the broader Bermuda dynamic that this country is moving toward, then they will be forever stuck in that past they are convicted we live in, and we would be better not having them lead us there. If those PRC’s that are eligible for status can prove that they have been law abiding citizens of this country for as long as they have been here, then they deserve to be granted status and we will be better for it. Welcome to democracy, if you don’t like it there are other places in the world that share your view.
Black, white, white-this and black-that….bla bla bla AGAIN *yawn*
My comment above “Black, white, white-this and black-that….bla bla bla AGAIN *yawn*” is meant for my eternally open minded, altruistic, xenophobic little friend IAN
Go back to sleep Anon…
Exactly!
Both the UBP and the OBA are majority black.
Exactly, thats black participation in a party that represents predominantly white interests. Not white participation in a party that has traditionally represented black interests… This stuff isnt made up but rather beyond blatantly obvious in the absence of severe denial.
“White Interests”? By that you clearly mean those overseas bankers who now own Bermuda because of the multi billion dollar debt. Plus IB who keep Bermuda afloat. Front Street and the “white boys” is an insignificant part of Bermuda and has been for some years. Front Street is now very cosmopolitan.
Beans beans…..the more you eat the more……
Never put beans in a pressure cooker.
Paragraph 9-1-1 of Section 8.
This is only to distract the PLP faithful from the crap Bean has landed himself in lately.
LOL
Town Hall meetings = History re-write
Sheer WASTE of people’s time,the defunct and failed plp cannot do a thing!
the plp simply cannot believe that even after all these months they are no longer the Government.
btw,Ganga Tea,Kool Aid and Bean Soup will be readily available.
Once again the PLP holds a meeting in a location too far from those of us in Tuckers Town and Fairylands, harbour road. When will the PLP create a situation where us real Bermudians can participate?
@Starting Point, you all in those locations have transportation. You have no problem getting to Mid Ocean!
Yeah, it’s not like they depend on the busses or ferries.
Devonshire is a central parish maybe you can get the pink building or tuckers point
Starting point….yes, these type of anti-white comments are very helpful to this conversation
You’re the one equating ‘rich neighborhoods’ with ‘white’… That speaks to YOUR own perspective on the distribution of wealth on this island. How is it his comments aren’t just as easily “anti-elite”?
Looks like nothinf but misinformation and xenophobia from the PLP, Bermuda’s conservative party.
ohhh check you out, you got “buzz” words in your pocket, nice, at least I know you can cut and paste, well done..
If the shoe fits, wear it. And if a political party is homophobic and anti-foreigner then they’re conservative. That’s how it works.
Please, another “buzz” word.. Explain this to me, the word “phobia” means fear, does it not.. So if someone who was brought up in the church, or another religious institution and were raised under the belief that two people of the same sex engaging in a sexual act was a contradiction to their teachings and beliefs. Now say these people don’t condone that act, how does that make that individual “fear” the gay lifestyle?? In my opinion it just shows that its something that “certain” people don’t support but to go around referring to it as a fear is incorrect.. In my opinion of course.
As far as the anti-foreigner comment, please. I have many friends, very good friends that are “expats” I respect them and I have nothing against any of them. However, I don’t support them having all the rights and privileges that other persons who where born in my country and whose families have been here for generations share. I wouldn’t expect those benefits if I packed my bags and moved abroad tomorrow.
So homophobic is a buzz word that doesn’t apply to the majority of people who are labeled as such.
So I guess all the Americans who are trying to control the borders from cubans, haitians, mexicans and others are xenophobic aswell?
Then you are a conservative and that’s fine.
Conservative means not wanting gay people or immigrants to have equal rights. It’s the same here as it is in the United States.
Maybe, and I am although I am replying to you, I am not just talking to you in the point I am about to make.. However, on this site, the PLP and like minded thinkers are referred to as being like the American Tea Party than in another breath they are considered socialist/communists, which is it?? Surely thats two extreme ends of the spectrum.
There is a difference between social and fiscal policies. The PLP and its supporters are socially conservative in many (but not all) respects. For example, immigration and marriage equality are two issues where the PLP has demonstrated publicly their socially conservative views. This is why people use the Tea Party analogy, as they have identical views on these issues.
Fiscally, the PLP is quite liberal in that it believes in big government and large social platforms such as free transport/day care. Some people view this as socialism/nationalism, but I think that’s not entirely accurate.
The reason why I do not for PLP is that my values do not align with theirs. I am socially liberal (pro immigration, pro marriage equality, pro choice, pro decriminalization of most drugs), but fiscally conservative as I believe government is well meaning but generally inefficient when not completely incompetent. (In other words, do what you want, I just don’t want to pay for it). I’m a libertarian. The OBA does not lean nearly liberal enough socially speaking for my liking, but I will never support a party which is socially conservative. (And I’m straight). However, if we ever had a strong libertarian party, they’d get my vote for sure regardless of what colour/gender/orientation they happened to be.
What a load of hooey.
“The latest attempt to grant Permanent Residency Certificate holders the right to compete with Bermudians for jobs, buy property and vote is one that the PLP opposes and with your support, intends to ensure, never becomes a reality. ”
If the PLP opposes this why did they pass the law in question?
Because flip-flopping is now an official political sporting event and they refuse to be bested by the UBP/OBA!!
The usual answer; they didn’t understand what they were doing.
A room full of xenophobes, no thanks!!! This is nothing more than just another plp meeting of miss information, the only real concern of these brainless dim wits is which way the vote will go and they will do everything in their power to stop it, never mind what is good for Bermuda and the PRC holders!!! It is always about the plp and nothing else!!!! I guess it is safe to assume that they will being serving their special tea at the meeting!!!!
They want to regain power by ANY means necessary even if it meant we would all have to starve…because they sure wouldn’t be
@ Kangoocar……….glad you won’t be there.
@ kangoocar/Westpalm……What is the name of your business you started from ground up, I am sure folks would rather not support it, as it sounds like it may be full of xenophobes……folks like you who dislike anyone or anything that supports the PLP…….please tell us, so I can help get the word out there …..
Kangoocar/Westpalm, what is the name of your business you started from the ground up that you brag about…please tell me, as I do not want to support a business that is full of folks like your who are xenophobes…towards anyone whom supports the PLP or votes PLP….. let me know so we can be sure not to support your business since you dislike us so much…..also tell me of the other folks as well…so we can be sure to please you, by staying away…..
Perhaps the PLP should just give this one up as it is going to stand in court
They Party should begin messaging that it was the PLP that created this opportunity for PRC holders–and in doing so–they might be able to capture a few votes at the next election.
To continue down this path is sure to isolate anyone that is impacted
Perhaps pennywise/dollar foolish??
Just sayin…..augnh
Strange isn’t it that although the PLP stated that they desired no more individuals to receive Bermudian status, more than ONE HUNDRED INDIVIDUALS were granted status since the 2001 bill was passed.
Was that because they were politically “connected”?
How many BLACK BERMUDIANS lost their jobs to those V.I.P.’s, as well as their homes?
None – just like none will when the rest gain status.
Gay bashing, hysterical xenophobic fear mongering, Not really the stuff of a social party at all is it?
Mr. Bean you need a hug.
and some tea
Some of you are beyond childish, to reply is becoming a void act.. simply amazing
Yet you still reply!.?
Distraction.
Reaction.
Extraction.
Debt.
Dr. DRED.
don’t forget about playing the race card and feigning false indignation while taking everyone blind
I think it is fair to assume how this meeting will go based on the misinformation Mr. Bean has started with in this press release.
Grant status and move on to solving the issue that really impacts Bermudians now and well into the future – the debt. It represents the real threat to our “birth rights”.
Honduras to Bermuda Race 2015.
Sign up.
RBYC and RADC are sponsoring the event.
F** Yoo , chairman of the new Mor-Organs Point Silk factory will be on hand to cloth seaman.
Cloth seaman?
I thought that what condoms were for……….
The PLP are trying to portray PRC holders as expat workers who’s permits are up in a couple of months and the government are trying to give them status. THEY CAN LIVE HERE AS LONG AS THEY WANT, AND APPLY FOR ANY JOB THEY WANT LEGALLY. The PLP are only worried about their effect in the next election if they have a vote. OBA these people have been here a long time and staked their lives and livelihood to Bermuda do the right thing and give them the vote. The only people who oppose this are the PLP diehards.
Smacks of desperation of a situation of their own making. The PLP are a thoroughly disgusting bunch of hipocrytes. They don’t give a flying f*** about human rights. Shame on them.
To ensure that the PLP’s stance on status is consistent, when will they announce that they will campaign to stop non Bermudians marrying Bermudians obtaining status? It’s only fair. After all what is the difference, except with marriage status is granted after 10 years?
So many Bermudians out of work, yet a meeting is called to deny a group of people the basic human right to vote.
Spend your energy on making Bermuda a better place to live and not scare away even more people that contribute to the economy.
If you are going to have an honest informed conversation about this subject and ask what is the legal status of a “Bermuda birth right” and if people in Bermuda (they do have different rights)have a special right of physically born on the island. Even if you are born in Bermuda you are not “citizens” because Bermuda is not an Independent Country.
Our last Premier was born in Canada so she was Canadian!
How can a Bermudian have more than one passport or citizenship.
If you want to change the law you may want to make it illegal for any Bermudian to hold another passport.
Bermuda entitlement and Bermuda Privilege and Status will at some point have a cost which may turn out more than the privilege is worth.
PRC holders can already live in bermuda forever. They do not need a work permit and can do any job they are qualified and can already buy many many different properties. They are your colleagues. Your neighbours and your friends. If granted status the only big difference would be the basic right to vote. Why would you NOT want these people to have a vote. Why would anyone. Surely it makes more sense to have a community that is invested. This meeting is not about status er nudists taking away property and job opportunities from Bermudians as they already can do that when they were issued a PRC.
Why would you NOT want these people to vote? they may not vote for you silly……that’s what this is really about…..
PRC holders do not have these rights forever! They must ask permission to leave the island for an extended period. They cant violate a number of laws. They are not considered truly “belonging”to Bermuda by the civil service (the state) and are denied a number of important items that “Bermudians”think of as their rights such as pensions etc.. Even Status Bermudians do not have full rights that born Bermudians have because Status Bermudians can loose their status! Born Bermudians have more rights and can not be discriminated against all others are second class citizens.
The PLP want everyone poor.
You are right – except for their own leadership, who believe they have a God given right to take – it’s the only way these guys can feel important, at your and my expense… They are in fact afraid of intelligent folks, especially the imported variety.
This question as to who is a Bermudian will be solved once we declare ourselves an independent nation. Than we will get a passport which clearly stated we are a citizen of Bermuda.
Than we will see who really wants to be known as a Bermudian? One thing is certain Britain will never recognize an independent Bermuda state unless the question of citizenship is settled. Than we will see who is prepared to give up their citizenship from their country of origin in favour of a Bermuda passport which states they are a citizen of Bermuda.
The concept of renouncing citizenship in many cases is a farce. The UK for example allows a citizen to renounce citizenship and apply back for it right away! The application forms used to be on the same webpage! For many others birthright can’t be taken away so renouncing ones citizenship is merely a shuffling of paperwork.
I still don’t see the real benefit of independence for a nation of 60 odd thousand people when the immediate result will be the loss of access to the UK / EU passport, the likely introduction of required visas for many countries, increased tuition for students in the UK, loss of territorial defense in national emergencies, and a possible further destabilization of the economy.
Tourism? That’s a long shot. Business? Regulators are changing the rules every year and putting a brass plaque here isn’t quite the free ride it used to be. Human capital – people who want to be here and spend money in Bermuda are assets. If someone has put 25 years into Bermuda, paying into schools, banks, property, groceries and other local economies, shouldn’t they have the right to be here and live as citizens too?
Real generational Bermudians, especially those of color, see their “Bermudian” status almost a cultural or heritage issue which has something to do with emancipation from slavery and ending up in Bermuda as opposed where they originally came from. That is why the slave registry which the PLP was going to make public (the ownership) had everything to do with who was here that got emancipated. For them its not just an economic issue its identity.
I for one will hang around in an independant bermuda just so I can see all those with half-status get full citizenship as a result of the uk insisting on it.its such a double edged sword… Deny citizenship and status while “Mother England” is around and have no choice once the evil overlord is gone…
Most ‘born/real Bermudians’ don’t want this Alvin, let alone those lower on your totem pole. Who’s your enemy? You’re looking over both shoulders and pointing all your fingers.
If this island goes Independent and the PLP ever get in again I recommend you learn how to fish and grow your own food Mr. Williams. Or are you confident you will be allowed into an innner circle of a priviledged few, wearing Rolexes and $2,500 suits while everyone else goes without?
Marc,give me some tea man!
Operation Pressure Cooker.
Part 9
Section 1 (b)
There is and never will be any progression in the the Labour Party movement …… Sad eh but more importantly they are an embarrassment to Bermuda in the modern world ,ganja tea and weed give us a break .
PLP Leader Marc Bean said, “Immigration policy in Bermuda has historically been used to deny Bermudians opportunities, create social division and preserve political power for the few.
So what happened in 1998 and 2007 when the PLP were elected? Were the voters confused? In 2012 too?
The PLP seems to evade truth and facts which does them and supporters no benefit. Maybe the next Town Hall meeting should be to review and discuss the reasons behind the PLP forming and whether the aims and intentions at that time are still the goal. It seems not.
Mark Bean does not seem to remember that In 1998 after the election the PLP did just that (changed the immigration policy,) of using immigration to change the historical immigration racial and geographical make up to make the Bermuda population to look “more like me” according to PLP Cabinet Ministers (along with others) such as the Home Affairs Minister (Immigration)Terry Lister and others such as MS. R. Webb.
Since when was Devonshire Rec a TOWN HALL? Just wondering? What makes a town hall meeting a town hall meeting if it is not held in the town hall anyway?
Seems like all kinds of meetings in Bermuda are called ‘Town Hall’ meetings but they are seldom in town halls. I think the town of St Georges is the only place that actually has a town hall.
Just another one of those things that never are what they claim to be in Bermuda.
According to Mr Bean
“Immigration policy in Bermuda has historically been used to deny Bermudians opportunities, create social division and preserve political power for the few.”
I assume he thus includes in this statement the lengthy period of time the PLP were in power and is not his wish to have this town hall meeting perpetuating this historical “fact” by creating social division?
Bernews… will this meeting be video recorded? Would be great to see a full version of the meeting uploaded in the coming days.
@Insteed, we plan to record it yes, so barring any unforeseen disaster, we should have the full video up on Friday.
Thanks, keep up the good work!
Some items that need to be answered by the PLP if they are elected in the future would be:
1. How much would the PLP sell a foreigner Bermuda Status (the right to vote) for cash? A million dollars or 100 million Dollars; how much and who gets the money?
2. How much do they think Status is worth compared to a PRC or a work permit and what specifically will be the social cost required in a PLP grant of status?
3. If the Minister responsible for Immigration is in the Cabinet is it not the Cabinet that has the exercise the Ministerial prerogative to grant Bermuda status?
4.If Bermuda is not Independent and is a Dependent Territory of the UK how can it grant voting right outside the original Constitutional Order we now use to operate?
5. Will the PLP use a racial quota (I think not) to insure the future immigration will retain the present racial balance?
All PRC’s should go to the meeting to see if the PLP party is an option to vote for in the next election. The PLP should invite the PRC’s to see they can win their votes.
We have a declining ECCONOMY we have a HUGE DEBT incured by the PLP/BIU
It is costing over $120Million Dollars in interest alone per year.
The PLP/BIU have burdened the next Generation with a HUGE DEBT it appears I got mine and up yours.
Maybe they will talk about how to rectify the problems they have created
and maybe some solutions as we are still BORROWING $276Million dollars per year of other peoples money to keep the Goverment afloat.It cant go on forever.
I say give citizenship to anyone that has contributed for +25 years, is clearly committed to being Bermudian and is prepared to denounce citizenship rights in their countries of origin as a result. At that point those folks will not see the OBA as a path to advancement but will instead hold them just as accountable as everyone else, which could in fact translate to a bolstered support base for the PLP if the OBA no longer serves their interests. PRC holders are not all “rich white folks” sucking off the so-called “UBP/OBA” teet.
The plot thickens. It seems the so-called badly drafted legislation was not so badly drafted, in fact it was apparently deliberately worded that way and obscurely tucked away deep within the entire package. In that way the PLP Government was able to award status quietly to “chosen” people, and the word I am getting is indeed they did. Bernew please investigate this possible matter of serious corruption at clearly the highest ministerial levels during the PLP years.