Vasco Welcomes News Of Immigration Changes

February 17, 2016

The Vasco da Gama Club and Portuguese Cultural Association said they welcome the news that the Government plans to amend the immigration laws, saying the Portuguese community and other long-term residents “have strong roots in Bermuda” and these changes will “strengthen our Bermuda community” and “allow people to call Bermuda ‘home’ for the first time. ”

The Government recently announced they plan to amend the law, 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.

A spokesperson said, “The Vasco da Gama Club and Portuguese Cultural Association welcomes the news that the Bermuda Government intends to make changes to the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act of 1956. Many individuals will finally be treated and afforded a basic human right. Not only is this a human rights issue but it is also fair.

“The Portuguese community and other long-term residents have strong roots in Bermuda and these changes will definitely strengthen our Bermuda community and in many cases allow people to call Bermuda ‘home’ for the first time.

“Persons living in Bermuda, who contribute to the financial and social well-being of Bermuda and who are valuable members of our society can finally plan for their future and their children’s future.

“We look to the Government to promote collaboration and to find the best solution to this important issue.”

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Comments (20)

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  1. clearasmud says:

    No surprises here! This issue has been affecting them negatively for decades!

  2. Jus' Askin' says:

    The Road to Election 2017 is Heating Up ;-)

  3. Onion juice says:

    What can you expect, thats where U.B.P. celebrated when they won the election.

    • jt says:

      Hey O.J.
      When the PLP overhauled constituencies and boundaries was it the right thing to do?

    • The Original Truth says:

      Actually it was UBP who kicked out many Portuguese in the 1980s and it wasn’t until the late 80s laws changed to allow qualified Portuguese work permits in white collar jobs. Besides being Portuguese ministers none have ever been nominated to be premier even though many had the quality to be. Talk about keeping a minority group down.

      • Triangle Drifter says:

        Yup, a whole bunch with kids who knew of no other home were unceremoniously kicked out under a great deal of pressure from the PLP screaming Bermudianisation for the Botanical Gardens.

        The place has not looked the same since.

    • Sincerious says:

      With logic like that you must be a genius – the OBA premises where the celebrations spilled from was there on Reid Street. The club did not host the party. The parliamentary registrars offices were there as well so did they host the party as well?

  4. Its me again says:

    Didnt the OBA have their victory party there…

  5. bago says:

    excellent.

  6. Are you kidding me? says:

    How funny that is laws upon laws ,there are those that’s been waiting for 40 plus years ,and still nothing is solve,yet we are talking about new laws when are we going to solve the existing laws and clear the mess that we are in before we introduce new laws,what is the delays with the existing laws?

  7. Shame on us says:

    This is the right, fair and compassionate thing to do.

    How dare we have a toxic myopic conversation around such an important issue.

    Human Rights for ALL!!

  8. The Original Truth says:

    Since 1845 Portuguese and West Indians built the Bermuda that gained world prestige. They are the ones who deserve citizenship the most.

  9. The Original Truth says:

    I’m glad the Portuguese community was honorable enough to not release a statement with a long list of self gratitude to sway others opinions as to why they deserve to be citizens and all their children do also. I guess they really didn’t need to as they have proven their self worth.

  10. Chris Famous says:

    West Indians have been here since 1616.

    • Justin says:

      How do you define “West Indian”, Chris?

    • Sincerious says:

      if we are going to play this game then the English were here in 1609 and the Portuguese before then .
      So do you think your comment supports the change or denies those who were here first.
      Personally I think it is a stupid game to play but since you opened it to all players……….

    • Sally says:

      And the British have been here since 1609

  11. Paul Revere says:

    I hope those making headlines remember which party gave some of your family members pink slips in the 80′s.

    Some of those same ppl are again running the show.

    They didn’t care about you then and u don’t think they care about you now.