Woolridge: ‘Obviously Discriminatory Statement’
The statement from CURB about the impact of the proposed immigration changes was “ridiculous and quite obviously discriminatory,” said OBA Chair Senator Lynne Woolridge.
Yesterday, CURB said the proposed legislative changes “ensures that there is an increasing white population on the island, and polls have shown that over 90% of white voters vote for the same party, as such the proposed legislation will affect political power in Bermuda for decades.”
CURB’s statement follows after the Government 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.
In response, Ms Woolridge said, “In September of last year, when Minister Fahy was under attack by the PLP for his efforts to improve Bermuda’s Immigration policies and procedures, he made this unequivocal statement:
“I must say in the strongest possible way that this Government is not in the business of encouraging immigration from the UK or anywhere else.
“In fact, I have said on record any number of times that what happened then was wrong and does not represent what the OBA stands for.”
“In its statement published this morning, CURB’s spokesman Lynne Winfield says there is a link between what the Minister has done in his Pathways to Status to “past attempts to economically and politically discriminate against black Bermudians, and through contemporary immigration policies to ensure a “whitening” of the Bermudian population to ensure political control.”
“That’s a ridiculous and quite obviously discriminatory statement. The only connection between Michael Fahy and what went on in centuries past is the fact that he and most of the people involved then were white. Do all whites, in Ms Winfield’s eyes, discriminate against blacks? I don’t believe so, and would hope that the vast majority of Bermudians don’t, either.
“Immigration law and policy in Bermuda is a hodgepodge of stop-gap measures that failed to produce long-term, sustainable solutions. The previous government acknowledges that it made mistakes during its time in power that have had a serious impact on our economy and that have run us afoul of baseline international human rights standards.
“The status quo is unacceptable. This is especially the case in a jurisdiction as modern as Bermuda holds itself out to be. The status quo has led Bermuda to fall afoul of its international legal and human rights obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“Blanket bans on obtaining such residency rights, as are now in place, are not consistent with the European Convention on Human Rights.
“Perhaps Ms Winfield and others believe that there is no reason why Bermuda should be bothered by these conventions when it comes to Immigration.
“Let’s not kid ourselves. We have a duty, as do all civilised countries, to live up to globally accepted human rights standards.
“Additionally, in Bermuda, we have been overtaken by events. The Chief Justice’s decision in Carne and Correia, a case made possible by a mistake of the previous administration, made it clear that part of our Immigration policy was not only unfair, but unlawful, and needed to be altered.
“We cannot, as the Opposition have suggested, make some new law to get around this problem. Laws cannot be made retroactively. Once out of the bag, the cat cannot be made to go back. The courts will hold our feet to the fire if we try.
“The United Nations adopted a Declaration on the Rule of Law at the National and International level on 24 September 2012. It reaffirms that “human rights, the rule of law and democracy are interlinked and mutually reinforcing and… they belong to the universal and indivisible core values and principles of the United Nations.”
“CURB is on the wrong side of this argument. Instead of making emotional appeals that pander to the fears and prejudices of a segment of Bermudians, I suggest that Ms Winfield and others who feel as she does should stop and think for a moment.
“We must never forget our history, but in today’s context, while the world is watching, we must understand that the Minister is doing the right thing. That will be obvious to those who are able to make a clear and unprejudiced judgement.”
Is this woman serious?
CURB’s statement is discriminatory, but her government’s policies and behaviors are not?
Actually they are not.
OBA Woolridge’s comments fall under the list of expected conditioned responses to such a basic and non-discriminatory assessment of facts. CURB very rarely states anything that is no fact-based.
with associates like Cordell Riley – it is hard to believe that anything but a fact-based response would have ensued from the MoHA announcement re: Pathways…et al
Facts like “As far as I know, not one white person has left?” Seriously you can’t get factual.
‘As far as I know, no white person has left’ – so says the lady from Cambridge Beaches. Where has she been? Wake up and get out and about. How many ‘others’ does she know whom have left? Those that have left the Island for any number of reasons within the past five years are reasonably estimated to be between 5- 6,000 and somehow these have to be replaced but of course the lady from Cambridge Beaches does not know of one whom is white! Rubbish.
Yup! I’m one who left. I certainly ain’t coming back to this mess! Especially considering I now live in a place were I’m accepted and not discriminated against! Imagine being treated more at home in a place you didn’t even grow up in!?
This is a human rights issue.
Curb sounds shrill and very sad in this day and age.
Given the events over the last couple of days here in our Bermuda paradise–I do wonder how much compassion and empathy we have as a modern society.
Some of the things that are being said are really shameful and embarassing.
Bermuda we really are better than this.
Its 2016!
I agree, we all have opinions but the stuff that has been appearing in this and other forums is awful, idle threats and race baiting comments do no good for anyone. We have lost our way. There will be nothing if we continue to tear ourselves apart like this.
Right thinking people of any color need to come together.
What a shocker. Woolridge is sent out to ease the racial tensions creates through proposed OBA policy/legislative changes… These guys run like clockwork.
Yup, send one of theirs.
What an insult, to suggest that Woolridge, as a black Bermudian, is not intelligent enough to speak for herself. I shake my head at those of you who follow the PLP blindly and insult your own if they do not agree with the garbage the PLP spews!
Who said anything anything about her lacking intelligence?? Freudian slip much…
Of all the individuals, groups, organisatons, Unions and the opposition that do not agree with the immigration changes – the OBA are the only ones that have this opinion (and unfortunately have the authority to make these changes without any consultation with anyone)
Is it because we all cannot see or understand or is it the Fahy and the OBA and this crazy writer of this letter.
A handful of people (the OBA) are making this decision to the detriment of most right-thinking people in Bermuda.
When it comes to election time -don’t come to my residence to talk about it then – I will call the police to have you removed.
What “right-thinking people in Bermuda” are you talking about? Bernews’ poll shows that 75% of almost 1,700 people agree with this change to immigration.
Ha! So what were you doing when the PLP were making all kinds of decisions for us without consulting us? Hoping things would get better?
Well here we are.
Incase you missed it, Marc Bean seems to be scaring a lot of people because I assume he now where the bodies are buried. Truly don’t think we’ll be dealing with the same PLP once they are returned to government.
A caller to the hate show said that mark Bean, had removed a picture of Doctor Ewart Brown from somewhere that he had the authority to do so !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!the caller was very upset…..whats up with this ?
Yes that story is not yet written. Go ahead, OBA.
No. Something much worse…
It’s all about race.
Wrong, it’s all about using race at a maleable tool by the PLP in order to gain power. They should be using merit. I’m black so I should run the country ain’t going to run a country.
They need to stop doing it, quit the divisiveness, and run on merits.
If they keep dividing us, then how will we ever be one……
Luckily the rest of our brethran are more enlightened than you seem to be. IT’S THE LAW AND GOVERNMENT HAS NOT CHOICE BUT TO UPHOLD IT. If the PLP think this would be different if they were in power then they either don’t understand how the law works or they’re lying to you. Which one do you think it is?
Lol – I can only laugh because both are just as likely!!!
But this “handful” of people have been duly elected by the majority of the electorate. Collectively, we have given them the authority to make the best decisions on behalf of the island. That’s how it works. When the election comes around, in the summer of 2017, you will get your opportunity to have your say again. Many Bermudian support this move to grant long term residents PRC or status, after spending over 15-20 years continuously contributing to the island.
Can you tell me what many? The circles I run in are all opposed to it. ANd I have yet to come across anyone (other than on the internet) who are in favor.
Like the generalizations and assumptions made by Lynne Winfield on behalf of CURB, you do not know as fact that all union members do not agree with the proposed immigration changes. The only common theme that underlies the opposition to the proposed changes is the lack of consultation – so its to do with process and not what is being proposed!
The OBA mouthpiece needs to keep quiet – plain and simple.
No you need to be quiet because you are behaving like you are both lame and simple.
@The Truth:
This woman only pops up when it is convenient for her political party that’s why I stated she should keep quiet – - unless she is going to speak to all the issues in this country – she really needs to keep quiet.
But, doesn’t your comment do the same????
Incorrect – - I am not a politician nor a member of a political party nor am I representing anything other than myself, thus my opinion/comment is different from her political stance in this article.
Funny, the person you commented to can say the exact same thing. Because they too are representing themselves, but you would deny them the exact same right. Hypocrisy maybe?
The question I have is “Is curb now a politically driven group?” The comment made by them was obviously politically driven, and bordering on racist…
Political driven? I don’t think so.
Bordering on racist? That’s based on perspective, but from where I stand, CURB articulated a sentiment shared by many Bermudians who just want to see immigration reform handled better and with less haste.
Thank God businesses don’t run with this type of stupidity! They would run deficits… Oops, that’s what the last Government did!
Sadly, too many Bermudians are following blindly. I hate to see so much division on this island I love!
Well stated Senator Woolridge!
George, we must have read two different articles.
Lynne Winfield appears to be the type to kick away the ladder once she’s reached the top. Nothing new here.
You’ve hit the nail on the head with this one!
Well…not exactly…stats guy holds the ladder for her and blocks the way up.
What in the world does giving these people status have to do with race?! Do people not realize that there is a wide range of immigrants here that aren’t white! Dominican, Jamaican, Barbadian, the list goes on. So do not tell me this is a “race” issue. This is about giving these people who have not only contributed to the economy but to society as a whole a chance of having rights here.
I can never understand why everything that happens in Bermuda has to be about race!!! Sad.
Because it’s effective. Until it isn’t…
a person comes here on a 3year work permit an ends up staying for 20 years
the question should be asked how the hell were they allowed to stay.
Because the PLP let them….are you not seeing the reality.
Wake up people you are being played by the PLP !
Because the ‘race card’ is always trump…. some (including CURE) will always play the card no matter what the reality is.
Well said ‘Just stop’ – the reality is that there are a wide range of persons who can benefit from this long overdue move towards better human rights for all in Bermuda.
when you look at the stats of race of these same persons, it will be interesting to see how “race” ratios work out.
This entire piece is ridiculous. This woman has done little in the way of helping our country and has launched an attack against a organization that has.
It is incredibly irresponsible for Ms. Woolridge to not at least consider the potential effects this legislation will have as outlined by CURB. But than again, not listening to the people is a trademark of the OBA so I don’t expect much in respect to that.
She’s helping to get Bermuda back on its feet again after years of decline. Never bite the hand that feeds you!
I’m quite sure that’s not what she’s been doing. But if thinking that makes you feel better, so be it.
I am Bermudian. I adopted my son when he was 1yr old. Not that it should matter but he is not white. He is 10 years old now and my biggest fear is if something happens to me before he turns 18 what happens to him? This is his home. He knows no other. This is not about who he chooses to vote for in 8 years. Giving him Bermuda Status now would be the right thing to do! This is not about race or building up voter numbers. Have some compassion.
While I understand your concern, I think it further highlights problems in this immigration policy. With blanket immigration rules, it is difficult to properly assess each case and scenario and ensure each person that obtains status receives it.
Is the woman serious…?
How dumb can she be it is quite obvious that she doesn’t have any type of brains
Now more than ever I regret voting for this waste of a government. Political preferences aside, the policies brought forward by this government are constantly without roper consideration and consultation, and with this they have gone too far.
I thought that Dunkley and his constant photo ops and lack of substance was bad, but understand, Michael Fahy and his blatant disregard for the people of Bermuda is one the reasons the OBA will not form the government following the next election. I could never vote for them with this man as part of the package.
So PLP = OBA as they did just as piss poor a job. Or do you disagree? Would a black-centric racist government like PLP be the better choice? The government that got us here in the first place? Or is everything black better??
Right on!
Every time I hear people talk of Status Bermudians as if it is a sinister plot to keep blacks down makes me sick ! The facts are before you can be granted Bermuda status you must be a British Natioal as we are a British overseas territory .The racial make up of British nationals is approximately 85 percent white. Say if we were a Jamaican overseas territory and before we could get Bermuda status you had to be a Jamaican National what color do you think most applicants would likely be ?
The fact of the matter is we are British ! As long as we are required to be a British national before we can possibly be granted Bermuda Status the majority but not all are likely to be white ! No sinister plot just a fact !
That is incorrect. One needs only be a commonwealth citizen, not British, to be eligible.
What book have you been reading?
We can see by the various opinions on this blog that there is no One Bermuda.
In fact, Bermuda now is so fragmented – it is now worse than ever. EG.- SSM, unemployment with locals, etc
My new neighbours have been in Bermuda for less than a year and the have the best of everything :-
job, brand new SUV, wife stays at home, big house etc etc. = and still have a home where ever they
are from and their right to vote back home.
It is not fair that my family , for generations, still cannot compete with that type of affluence.
Just simply leap-frog most bermudians in this country.
And now given voting rights
The gov’ts strategy or policies are creating more divisions.
The OBA needs to change its name (and not back to the UBP)
Remember – everyone is biased in some form – and this gov’t displays this behaviour.
signed
a former OBA supporter since this announcement
Your neighbours do not have the ability to vote in Bermuda and probably never will. 15 and 20 years is a long time. God forbid any of our current MPs be still around. You can’t sit there and judge these people from over the garden wall. First off, you don’t know their backgrounds except for what you see and they don’t know yours. Why don’t you try and speak to these people and be “neighbourly”.
Dumbest comment I’ve read.
Maybe thats because your neighbors are intelligent, intellectual and well qualified individuals. Maybe instead of complaining on Bernews you should work on improving your career. Affluence has nothing to do with the right to become a national of a country you have lived in long enough to raise a child to adulthood.
This is a clear illustration of what people mean when they talk about “Two Bermuda’s”. Your comments make it abundantly clear that you are unaware of the plight that is faced by many hard working Bermudians on a regular basis that struggle to get ahead in their own country.
Education sacrifice, education sacrifice and hard work is what it takes for everyone to be successful.
Did I mention education hard work and sacrifice.
SO by your standards (first two sentences), any person you do not agree with that comments here should have no right to say it here (as you do)?
That is their life and you have no idea of the hardships they’ve had to endure. I think you need to rethink your comment next time as you are being very discriminatory based on your own personal beliefs.
thanks for seeing the light
Presumably the reason your neighbors are doing well is that the husband has a job that you are not qualified for? It would be the same if you lived next door to a Bermudian doctor, lawyer, accountant and has nothing to do with the fact they are here on a work permit
If their house is so nice and they are so affluent, and you are their _neighbour_, you can’t be that far behind…
Although it seems as though these neighbours have just come over and have everything handed to them on a plate, do realise that they will be highly qualified for the jobs and will have worked hard to have put themselves in that position. Them being here helps International Business thrive which benefits everyone.
The new proposals will not change their ability to get residency. If they are deemed to be job creators, their companies can apply for them in due course. The very people you object to staying already have that ability. They are very few in number and certainly no threat to future elections. This was brought in by the PLP.
Your family certainly can compete. Tell them to finish school, work every hour God sends until they have built their career up, to work abroad for experience and to save before having a family. It’s no surprise that the Expats in International Business have families much later than Bermudians.
The new proposals will assist those not in International Business.
Butchers, florists etc that have been able to obtain work permits only because there have not been Bermudian applicants or those whose parents didn’t or couldn’t apply for status for them but have grownup here. They are no threat to you, with Bermuda’s declining birthrate, they are only of benefit.
So you would rather them not be here? Oh dear, that would mean another Landlord struggling to pay his mortgage as the house he has for rent is empty.
I really wish they would teach basic economics in the schools from a very young age so a good understanding of how a healthy economy works is fully understood.
Lynn, you and your OBA will never be getting the votes of myself or my family again. Over all of you and your reckless, anti Bermudian policies.
So you’re going to vote for the PLP and really take us back to pre-Dec 2012? Remember that mess? I sure hope you do.
So, you’d rather bring back a government that is equally out of touch. A government that thinks it’s a good idea to throw us all into further debt…yeah, that’s what we all want! Until there is a party that addresses the needs of black and white Bermudians, neither party will ever get my vote. PLP is as racist as any….
This is about Human rights plain and simple, as part of the EU you are required to offer citizenship after someone has been living in a country for then 10 years. We are talking about 15 and 20 years, these “people” aren’t foreigners, or hear to steal jobs. They are entrenched in the community, pay taxes, purchase goods and services. To deny someone citizenship after spending that much time in a country is ridiculous. It doesn’t matter if they are black or white, they are a part of Bermuda 20 years!!!
It is sickening to see it debated about race, if this was the other way round and you substituted the word “black” for “white” in this thread and article: one would there be the same outcry in Bermuda and 2 it would read as an overtly racist article. Just stop and think about that. We are all human.
And you may be correct about these people being here 15-20 years and it would be fair that some get status, but what is being asked is to reform the system so that in 15 or 20 years we are not forced by some intl. law to offer status, and the OBA in turn trashes term limits and leaves immigration holes unplugged… This really sounds suspicious…. A comprehensive review is needed.
Thank you! It’s disgusting that people are so hateful towards these people that aren’t all white, there’s a large population of black immigrants here as well. I bet some of their closest friends are immigrants and they don’t have a freaking clue.
Hmmmmmm, not entirely sure that is true. Other countries who are part of the same EU still expel people whom are not their actual citizens. Why can’t Bermuda do the same?
More importantly, if they really want status that bad then they should be allotted that right but with a certain condition. That condition being a test of sorts. Just like the US and other major countries around the world you should be tested on all things Bermuda and the English language. For example, if you can’t answer basic Bermuda knowledgeable questions, then you fail. If you can’t answer and respond to all those questions in English, then you fail.
So you mean after 20 yrs. there was no Bermudian Black or White trainable for the job?
Bermuda is under the European Union through our British status. We maybe self governing but not enough to stop the E.U. Influence against us
GO AWAY OBA! Lynne Woolridge was someone I had great respect for until she allowed herself to be used as a talking head. Advocating positions that are not even in her best interest as a Bermudian, this woman is constantly slapped in the face by the OBA as a black Bermudian, yet she continues to defend them.
Trevor Moniz acknowledges that Civil Union Legislation is being advanced, without proper consultation.
Wayne Scott breaks news of potential school closures without proper details or consultation.
Fahy is pushing Immigration policy forward without proper consultation.
And that’s just in the last week. Sounds like the OBA are on a roll, but it doesn’t seem like they’re working for me.
And the PLP have been squeaky clean? Uighers were brought in with out consultation…because our opinion dont matter. Stop blaming one without looking at the record of the other. All are guilty and so to are those that support them.
It saddens me to see people so ungrateful to the progress that has been made in the past few years. What’s even more sad is that the adversity that you are putting up against the current government is baseless and only comes from contempt and anger. The only way Bermuda can move forward is with fair practices and laws for all not just a select few. Equal rights and justice for all!!!
Lynne, you seem too well educated and informed to be involved with this unnecessary response to CURB. This response is shallow, shows that you all do not care, and would be more fitting coming from someone like Nandi.
Do yourself a favour Lynne, run away from the OBA before they completely shred up your reputations and credibility.
She is doing a good job of destroying her own credibility.
Lynne Winfield…was she even born here!?
no she wasnt, I wonder how she got her status?
you don’t have to be born here to be Bermudian dummy. if you have a Bermudian mother or father you are entitled automatically.
I’m in agreement with Senator Woolridge. People need to seek understanding and truth for themselves instead of just listening and believing misleading information. You have to be able to be objective and non-prejudiced to really see the truth. It’s sad how some folks would twist something that is meant for good into something that they say should be bad in order to fulfil their own twisted agenda. Senator Woolridge gets my vote!
There are tons of black people who will vote plp no matter what, i think this implementation will add much needed balance.
For those over looking the fact that living in a country for over 20 years SHOULD allow you status by any reasonable civilized countries imm law… it has always been up to the politicians to make an effort in securing votes from as many people as possible.
I think a more fair imm policy is 10 years for any country. But given bermudas small size and high population already i think 20 years is a good fit for the island.
P.S. This is kind of unrelated but … if the plp is so representative of Bermuda as a whole, why are there only black people in the party? I feel integration will be helpful for the plp.
Sincerely,
Nunyabusiness
Is this a pay back game for mr fahy for what happened years earlier? White and black Bermudians need to work together and put their differences on side otherwise agreement will never be, I am planning to bring my family here and I want them to see the friendly polite people,
I’m a black Bermuda and am so tired of the racist Bermudians who continue to be the worse racists out there! There’s no bogey man holding you back or down. Stop with the ignorance. Create your destiny without making it about race. Create a Bermuda that is about diversity. We are to too entrenched in petty issues and misplaced blame.
Very well said
Thank you!!
If CURB is funded by Government then they are giving my money to these people who are simply dishonest and will say anything to further their agenda.
If you want to donate personally, be my guest, but don’t give them any of the money I pay in taxes.
I am trying to look back in the articles to find CURBs statement against the PLP for discriminatory practices in developing their leadership and caucus. Obviously the party does not reflect the racial make up of the island and as such there seems to have been an historic attempt to shut some races out of the political process and thus disenfranchising them in their own island. Amazingly this practice continued even when the party was the elected government with only a tokenism attempt to be racially diverse.
If anyone an find CURBs obvious rejection of the PLP policies in this regard can they please post them.
thanks…
CURB just lost their credibility 100%…..and yes I’m black
Senator Woolridge’s response amounts to merely repeating the “party line” and does nothing to advance the stated intent of the policy. Minister Fahy may be well intentioned but he has repeatedly shown that he is not getting any better in communicating with the public at large. Mrs. Woolridge’s is making the same kind of mistake by her public rejection of others views. The best policy outcomes come when all views are considered equally!
The question of …..Common–Wealth ….comes into Question here.Bermuda needs to be Independent,not The Common -wealth of any Country outside of Bermuda.European People went to Africa and carved it up into Common-wealth of their particular Regions ,whether it be Portugal,Dutch,Spanish,French,etc,That is why we had to drive them back into the Caves and Hillsides and Rope them in to the area known as Eu-Rope.We must now repeat the history and Rope them out of our affairs.I am a proud Bermudian,not a Common-wealth Citizen of the Spanish,Portuguese,British,or English.We must have our own thinking,completely independent of all other countries that lay claims to us.!If you say Britain is our Mother-Country,then who is our Father,Africa.?Think about it.Thinking benefits the thinker.Quote from The Holy Quran-the Holy Book of The Muslims.We think independently from you,thats why you hate Muslims.Peace.
Committee to Unravel and Ruin Bermuda.
Now I get it.
Good one!!
CPT , point taken, if you are a member of the commonwealth what color are you most likely to be ?
What a disgusting display of empire building by the UBP/BDA/OBA !
It is obvious reading the blog that the like dislike voting system have been subverted by use of robots. I wonder if the petitions are similarly affected.