Column: Dwayne Robinson On Immigration
[Opinion column written by Dwayne Robinson]
Immigration has long been a heated and contentious topic. One side of the political spectrum believes immigration policies have been weaponised to prop up white oligarchs, while the other side believes our immigration policies are not liberal enough and that we have been stifled by xenophobia.
Whether you fall into either category or find yourself in the middle, we can all agree on one thing. Immigration must be reformed, and the policy must benefit Bermudians above all else. Minister Hayward’s recent epiphany regarding immigration reform is welcomed. Though the irony is not lost on me, that this very Minister stood with the People’s Campaign to vehemently fight against immigration reform five years ago under the OBA.
I believe we all know the story of the OBA’s attempt at immigration reform in 2016, that if passed would have assisted with improving the state of our Government finances and economy. I will not tell you the legislation was perfect or that the OBA handled the roll out to the community perfectly. The electorate sent us a clear message of displeasure, as is their democratic right.
Now we have arrived at a similar crossroads. The OBA, as Bermuda’s loyal opposition, will not repeat the mistakes of the then PLP opposition. We will support the Government in its efforts to bring about comprehensive immigration reform to benefit our island home. We will provide measured criticism and look out for our fellow Bermudians best interest by putting forward legislative amendments when needed.
We will not disrupt town halls, spread misinformation, and spread general discontent around their upcoming immigration reform efforts. I look forward to the policies to be put forward by our current Government. However, immigration reform is not a stand alone fix to our woes.
We require job growth and reduction of Government expenditure. All which the PLP has promised, so let us get on with the progress. The OBA is willing to assist where we are required, so the only barrier to progress would be the PLP themselves.
- Dwayne Robinson is a former Senator for the OBA
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“One side of the political spectrum believes immigration policies have been weaponised to prop up white oligarchs, while the other side believes our immigration policies are not liberal enough and that we have been stifled by xenophobia.”
A perfectly accurate summary of the differences that politics has sown.
He needs to join the FDM party and stop being used by the white oligarchs. The OBA Bermuda’s loyal opposition is more of a circus act full of clowns joggling seats to see who last longer after every election.
FDM are a mess especially with foul mouth as their leader. The only thing that will save us is real education that focusses on Bermuda’s economics so that the voters truly understand reality when they go to the polls.
No the only thing that will save Bermuda is for the oba I mean UBP party to stop trying to convince black voters to return. It’s over your not winning anymore. This white establish party had it’s turn and it’s past racist mistakes is why Bermuda is so divided. The last election even white Bermudians didn’t come out to support you and voted for the PLP & FDM. Next election when you lose what are you going to say, the same line
“we wasn’t in touch with the community and their needs”
So other than race or your perception of race what is your criteria when it comes to who you vote for? Do you ask yourself if the government is spending your tax dollar wisely? Do you wonder if your representatives are qualified? Do you stop and ask yourself if there could be an alternative? Do you consider that in the last 20 years you and your grandchildren have some how incurred $4B of debt that you must pay back? Ever wonder why your bus doesn’t come? Why your trash isn’t collected? For some reason you are always told to vote based on race and not ability. You are a soldier for sure.
Why you asking them for ask all the voters that keep leaving the ubpoba. Not surprise you think this way it was JetGATE that selected you to be in the party and look where he is…..removed as leader twice! LMAO
You need to to stop the “jetgate” thing, a certain doctor will tell you things are better not talked about.
Immigration reform in Bermuda is always going to be a tricky issue. Both sides have their points, and both in some way reflect different facets of the truth.
Bermuda is stifled, far too often, with xenophobia and anti-immigrant nativism. I’ve been aware of that my entire life, and I have seen it, as many have. A good friend of mine’s former wife left the island due to xenophobia she faced. When my older brother first brought my sister-in-law, a Filipino-Italian-American, to visit the island immigration thought he was attempting to smuggle her in as a domestic worker of some sort.
But at the same time many people considered the former OBA government’s attempt at immigration reform to be little more than a Bermudian incarnation of the old “White Australia” policy and other similar such policies from across the anglosphere. Perhaps it can be chalked up to some profound failure on the part the OBA to communicate it well, but my now 82 year old white Bermudian father and lifelong UBP/OBA voter, thought it was quite clearly the case and it deeply bothered him. I also think the OBA, or at least some of its government functionaries, had a tendency to talk-down to Bermudians, as if we are all a bunch of lazy children in need of a strong parental guiding hand.
Bermudians are not xenophobic. Bermudians have been quietly subjected to lethal racism and negativism. Colonialism tactics utilized is extremely biased and ruthless. Its ruthless roots are deeply embedded in institutional racism.. Be for real. Racism truly raised its racist head at the point of slavery. It is 2021, it continues. It is pathetic that the very people who are racist, implement nonsense..including xenophobia.
No brilliance with that. Just continued misuse of “SUPERIORITY COMPLEX”.
THE IGNORANCE AND FOOLISHNESS CONTINUES FROM THOSE WHO DELIBERATLY IMPLIMENT RACIAL NONSENSE, THEN BLAME IT ON THE VERY PEOPLE THEY “INFLICT” THAT RACIAL NONSENSE ONTO.
No cleverness there. Just plain stupidity. The saga continues……….
What is it that Bermudians are frightened of when it comes to making some new Bermudians? I cannot imagine what it can be when we all think that we are the best at everything.
“The OBA, as Bermuda’s loyal opposition, will not repeat the mistakes of the then PLP opposition”
Congratulations for winning the bull$#@$ award this month.
You call what the PLP did mistakes when they were opposition! LOOK AROUND IDIOT THE PLP WENT FROM BEING OPPOSITION TO GOVERNMENT! EVERY ELECTION THEY HAVE REDUCE YOUR SEATS.
Look up, Mr. Robinson summarised the issue perfectly.
“One side of the political spectrum [PLP] believes immigration policies have been weaponised to prop up white oligarchs, while the other side [non-PLP] believes our immigration policies are not liberal enough and that we have been stifled by xenophobia.”