Home Affairs Minister: Illegal Worker Detained
Based on information provided to MP Walton Brown and shared with Home Affairs Minister Fahy, an “illegal worker” has been detained, and the Minister said that “despite differences of opinion we may have, I am grateful that MP Brown acted and provided helpful information.”
A statement from the Government said, “The Minister of Home Affairs wishes to advise the public that on 4th May 2015 compliance officers from the Department of Immigration attended a construction site following a complaint made to the Shadow Minister of Immigration, MP Walton Brown by a member of the public who subsequently passed the information directly to the Minister, that a person was on site working without a work permit. Based on the information provided to MP Brown and shared with the Minister, an illegal worker was detained.
The Minister stated, “I have said repeatedly to the public that if you have information about people working illegally then it is important the information is shared. It is acted upon immediately as was demonstrated in this particular case. Despite differences of opinion we may have, I am grateful that MP Brown acted and provided helpful information. The Department of Immigration will continue to act on accurate information. ”
The Minister continued: “We have all heard stories of people working illegally, but the Department of Immigration can and will act if suspected infringements are reported properly. I take the opportunity to remind employers of their duty to ensure their employees are in possession of a valid work permit. The penalties are severe for failure, including civil and criminal penalties.
“The Chief Immigration Officer is currently processing a number of civil penalty cases which indicates the system is working. Again, I urge the public to follow MP Brown’s example by sharing what you know. ”
Walton for party leader, I don’t like that other guy. what’s his name again? Bean? Been? Been real quiet lately.
And when he makes an appearance you still B… and moan.
When oppositions validate a leader there’s something fishy, so stay there Bean, they cant handle STRONG leaders.
Why wasn’t there a WANTED poster like de other guy ??????????
There wasn’t a wanted poster because he was unknown to the Dept of Immigration.
OMG. Can you even read?
So at what point does one become illegal ??????????????????????????????????????????
Are you thick?
I think we know the answer to that….
It’s not a trick question and this has been going on for years.
You don’t know what you’re talking about again.
Hey Dipstick , it don’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that if someone is in a country for a specific amount off time and after that time is up they’ve over stayed their welcome.
What a F!@#ing joke.
Ding!
Right answer, and somebody did figure it out and it was reported and now there will be consequences. So I’d say that went pretty well wouldn’t you?
Wipe the froth from your mouth there. It’s undignified.
Hearty congratulations to Walton for doing something of value. This is far better than complaining about someone stealing rubbish and doing our cleaning up for us. A gold star for Brown!
To be fair Walton had every right to bring that issue to the publics attention. Instead of pointing the finger at the minister through hearsay he should have call on a statement by the minister. Won’t hold my breath there. If I had to vote between Walton and the other guy, um um can’t remember his name, sha boy that owns paradise games. I’d choose the lesser of two evils like I did on 17/12/12
your damn if you do and damn if you dont, but in this case i say Christopher is damned, because he don’t have a damn clue.
Coming from you I take that as a compliment Duane.
If by ‘damned’ you meant ‘sent to eternal fire and brimstone’ then all the better. I don’t believe in superstitious nonsense. Don’t read that old work of fiction either.
In fact, I don’t believe in that magic man in the sky.
Congrats to Walton once again for actually doing something useful instead of eternal complaining about rubbish.
Why is the worker detained but the employer not?
Walton’s on a mission to root-out criminal activity (illegal workers, missing Bermuda Stone) – keep the pressure on Cannonnier; feel the heat rising. Cannonnier needs to resign again.
Quo Fata Ferunt
U need to check all the construction sites and landscaping companies!
Are those the only types of businesses with illegal immigrants here in Bermuda? I doubt it. Don’t put your focus just on those two when for example, there could be illegal immigrants working in restaurant kitchens or warehouses that you have no clue about.
To me, it appears this individual who reported the illegal worker is a supporter of the Progressive Labour Party, if not, they would have went directly to the Homes Affairs Minister Fahy.
This has now become, “a feather in the cap” of the Progress Labour Party but in-spite of the fact it is good seeing M.P. Walton Brown, “come down off of his high horse” and deal straight. There are without any doubts many others working “under the table” and they must be brought to the attention of Govt. Home Affairs Minister Fahy a.s.a.p. You must remember each illegal worker is one less job available to a Bermudian. Oh, the employer should have an extremely large fine licked into his / her arssss! to deter others from hiring illegals.
Funny how when someone reports something, something gets done.
^^^similar to the complaints that guvmint workas are driving round doing nothing. UNFOUNDED and CYCLICALLY REDUNDANT
immigration doesn’t have a staff like the police to be randomly driving around looking for ghosts.
keep the information going to immigration so they CAN DO SOMETHING and eradicate these people coming to Bermuda to break the law along with local employers who are sending revenue OUT OF THE COUNTRY!
@ wondering,
Actually some do drive around doing nothing, but most of the ones that are loafing are on job sites doing nothing. Its not hard to spot.
@ wondering,
Like the 5 guys who worked opposite my crew one day. Decided to leave their job site in St Davids & pick up lunch in Hamilton. Left about 11:30, got back after 1:00. After that one even sat on the wall for 1/2 hour while the others including the foreman worked.
Did you report this or continuing to be part of an ongoing problem?
@ Come Correct,
Didn’t report that incident but have reported others, even to my Union shop steward when I was a Govt worker. Nothing done about any of them.
Have you reported any as if I see it I’m sure you must … or are you continuing to be part of the problem? I think I know the answer already.
I’m not attacking you, you need to report it. This isn’t the Bernews government complaints section. Even less will happen if you don’t. To date I can’t say I’ve come across this or yes I would because this country belongs to my people. There is room for more through the right avenues but not much, more so now.
@ Come Correct,
I get what your saying, as I said I have reported other things. Unfortunately it seems unless it is caught on camera then there is little that will be done. I have seen the ‘white’ shirts on sites on occasions & still that behaviour is allowed.
However when a person can be intoxicated, crash a ferry and get off plus numerous other instances that we have read about it is clear that the management are near powerless to deal with these issues.
Sad but true…
Thank you Mr. Brown. An example of the beneficial use of your position.
Probably knows of 100 more.
This puts him back in good grace with his critics.
Probably one of his Carribean heritage or a Phillino.
Philipino.
That’s good to hear!
Sadly, I submitted information months ago about illegals working as landscapers at the Hospital (old E.R. side not the new site). Nothing has been done and those guys are still working there.
@ ….. says,
Then by all means contact the Dept of Immigration first thing in the morning. I would bet things will be handled differently now. If you haven’t tipped them off of course. ;-(
My hat is off to Walton on this one, now I would like min Fahy to name and shame the company that had this illegal working!!! And let’s not for get to prosecute the owner to the fullest extent of the law!!!!
No, what I would like to see now is a READY, WILLING and ABLE Bermudian to step up and take this newly vacant job. I won’t hold my breath though. Job probably requires someone showing up on time and showing up EVERY day.
@ Regina,
I don’t know about this case but sadly you are so right on those points.
@regina, I totally agree with that as well!!! Trust me when I tell you that just recently I advertised for a qualified person but VERY clearly also stated that I was willing to train any applicant who showed the right attitude blah blah blah, but at the bottom of the ad, I also stated a police background check and a drug test would be required, guess how many applicants I got??? 4 is the answer, when Bermudians start helping themselves I will have more compassion for them!!! But in this case the law is the law and nobody should be breaking it!!! In my case luckily a foreign spouse of a Bermudian ( he was the only one out of the four that possessed the credentials I was looking for ) applied for the job and I am presently training him and he is doing very well!!!! Also, before anyone questions it, I am Bermudian!!!!
Being honest, I’d sell my chocolate starfish before I did your work for your pay.
You are an idiot!!! I actually pay way above the Bermudian average, but yet again you are someone that is obviously worth a lot less!!!!! So thanks for not applying, or were you one of the other 3?????
Lol you’re so clueless. Doesn’t know who I am. Doesn’t know what I do or what I’m worth. Doesn’t know the difference between to and too yet I called it out already. Still thinks he’s gods gift to unemployed Bermudians. Psycologists call it narcissistic personality disorder ans you can thank yourself for the many ruined chocolate starfish’s of this island for being a crappy employer. Here’s a clue! I know something you don’t. Good luck the next time you advertise, the people you try to capitalize on will be more scarce.
What do you call the Bermudian average anyway? I predict either silence or BS.
You predicted wrong!!! You can easily find what the average Bermudian salary is by going on the Government Website and actually doing a little WORK and find it yourself!!! Or did you expect someone else to do the work for you??? You have absolutely no clue as to who I am, so stop with your nonsense concerning being a ” crappy employer ” i in the last 8 yrs have not had one employee leave on their own, so how crappy am I ??? Again, you have NO clue who I am!!!! I keep a very low profile in when I am on the island and I travel a lot such as right now I am off the island, where I actually do socialize with people that are not so narrow minded such as yourself!!! It actually is nice to spend time overseas with people from those countries that can actually have a conversation without the topic of race and what other people earn being brought up, as it always does in narrow minded bermuda, and you have proven my point????
I actually asked what you call it but I guess we know you pay the absolute minimum now. Just like I’ve been told. Didn’t read the rest of your emotional rant.
Kangoocar (Bermudian basher), just admit it, you don’t want to hire any Bermudians. Your statement that luckily a foreign spouse of a Bermudian applied, shows us how relieved you were that you didn’t have to hire a Bermudian. You clearly state that you were willing to train somebody, then you state more bs saying the foreigner was the only person who had the credentials you were looking for, but you still have to train him.
I guess being non Bermudian is a very important credential to you.
Johnny, aka Alaska hall!!! Up until this point my company has always been 100% Bermudian staff, so you are talking absolute plp nonsense!!! The problem you plpers have is simple?? You can’t handle the blunt truth!!! When we have such a large number of unemployed Bermudians ( thanks to you plp ) and I state in an ad, police and drug test is required and only 4 apply??? I can tell you I have ZERO compassion for them!!! Bermuda would benifit greatly if the plp did their part and publicly state they are against drug use!!! But you will not because you know, it will not favour you politically!!! That is what is wrong with bermuda, politics is destroying Bermudas social fabric!!! And I mean that to both parties!! It is power first, bermuda last!!!!
Yes the sign in your office states all you mentioned, right under that traditional I want you picture of Uncle Sam.
STFU! What have you done with the real kangoocar? Didn’t know you had it in you to be objective. Turn that cheerleader outfit in to the salvation army, Scientist needs a new hero’s day ganzy.
Too bad he did not tell on all dem illegal workers before.
Here we go again haters at is best
So if the work permit expired by a few weeks and I as the employer forgot to make application for a renewal what happens then? What now a $5000 civil penalty!!!!!
Yes…
Because you also forgot to re-advertise the position. Someone check this one out. Well done sir.
Why the secrecy? Name the company! They (the company) need to be fined for breaking the law. It makes no sense putting these laws in place if they are not going to be enforced. There are too many Bermudians without employment to just allow this to go unpunished.
Full marks to Mr. Brown, the individual who tipped him off & the Dept of Immigration.
Sadly this has been quite common for decades especially in landscaping & construction. How else can persons from 3rd world countries afford to come here on ‘vacation’ for 2 months or more when well heeled visitors average only a few days to a week at best.
Redman it’s true, many people do come here and work under the table for months or years before being caught. There are others that do come from so called, “3d. world countries”(according to you)that can’t afford tickets yet alone accommodations for a month or more and this also maybe true but, there’s them who are invited guests / relatives of them who are working legally and are here at no expense of their own. Therefore, as mentioned below, “don’t paint everyone with the same brush so quickly.”
@ Regina n Redman don’t paint everyone with the same brush so quickly I have worked with both they all come late call in sick Bermudians and foreigners don’t act like this is just a island problem SMDH after all we are all humans we fall short except you two lol hahahahaha whatever
@ Never Never,
Not painting everyone with any brush or can’t you read?. I have worked with and have hired & fired both locals and expats that fit Regina’s comment. Sadly though the home grown ones outweigh the imported ones by a mile.
Get over it.
Lol . You trying to correct his /her English while in the wrong . Its ” you dont know me , you dont know what I do ….” not that” doesnt ” be mindful of your tenses
What happens to these employers that encourage the use of illegal workers? They must be held accountable because without them breaking the law Bermuda would not have this problem.
I personally don’t think Walton should get the kudos.
Those should be reserved for the member of the public who reported it.
Rather than ONLY taking great pleasure when an illegal worker is caught,perhaps Bermudians need to REFLECT UPON THE REASON WHY employers incur the ADDITIONAL costs+risks of importing non-Bermudians!!
Good reporting MP Brown !! LoL at all these political stupid comments . What deference does it make which side you support to uphold the law ? As for race relations let’s do a doll test !! Then we will see the reality of Bermudas racial discriminations n profiling !! Criminals wear ties too ! From jet gate to Stone gate ! Unethical to illegal ! Friends n family ! And most of all position of power to influence an outcome !! Ulterior motives of backroom lunches ! Bermuda is such a nasty place when you look under the hood ! I remember a woman from USA told me how she was considered ” WT ” there , got married to a local with her associates degree and was treated like a queen here . Lucky her !!!! She said Bermuda is nice but the discrimination against your own STINKS !!!
while it is very important for the Immigration Department to do their job – which is among other things, is to keep track of people who visit our shores and to ensure they leave as planned, it is incumbent on the general public to assist them with knowledge of any perceived violation of these terms.
it makes no sense to me to offer kudos to a politician who has inserted himself between the general public and the department of Labour and Immigration. the person(s) who provided that information could have and should have reported it to the department of labour and immigration first. unless of course it was for the purpose of scoring political brownie points, so they went to walton first.
this whole spectre of making a big scene of removing this illegal worker and not shaming the employer is wrong. it is dangerously close to witch-hunting with crowds of people foaming at the delight of catching an illegal worker.
we are a civilized nation or so i thought and need to keep things in perspective. so let government workers do their jobs, unless walton brown is suggesting otherwise.
Perhaps there is a trust factor with Fahy which is why they didn’t go directly to him or immigration. That’s common sense.