Premier: Govt Not Considering ‘Open Borders’
The freedom of movement that some members of Caricom participate in “is not something the Government of Bermuda is contemplating as Bermuda is too small to have open borders,” Premier David Burt said.
The Premier has previously said this, last year he said “freedom of movement does not automatically follow full membership” in Caricom and “it is not something the Government of Bermuda would allow as Bermuda is too small to have open borders.”
In a statement following his recent meetings, Premier Burt reiterated that point, stating, “There were many matters discussed during last week’s HoG Meetings. Specifically, regarding the movement of member states’ citizens, it would be incorrect to conclude that full membership means freedom of movement for citizens of other member states to Bermuda. We recognise that this is a topical matter here at home, and to ensure clarity – freedom of movement does not automatically follow full membership.
“In fact, it has been stated on numerous occasions that many full members of Caricom do not participate in freedom of movement. Furthermore, specific agreements, negotiations, and protocols are required, and it is not something the Government of Bermuda is contemplating as Bermuda is too small to have open borders.”
In the 2023 Throne Speech, the Government announced a proposal to initiate a consultation process leading to full membership in Caricom, and last month the Government advised they have now received the Entrustment from the British Minister of State and will commence the consultation process.
Ok, but will we have freedom of movement to other CC islands?
Please, can someone give me a list of 5 benefits of becoming a full member? Heck, just give me THREE! Anyone?
And as many times as he says it they will continue to question it as they want to use this issue as a scare tactic.
“The freedom of movement that some members of Caricom participate in “is not something the Government of Bermuda is contemplating as Bermuda is too small to have open borders, Premier David Burt said.”
He is a politician and his lips were moving.
And anything that Burt says is to be believed?
He really does need to move to Hollywood, the convincing actor that he is.
“The freedom of movement that some members of Caricom participate in “is not something the Government of Bermuda is contemplating as Bermuda is too small to have open borders, Premier David Burt said.”
That may be a true statement but is the freedom of movement an inextricable part of full membership in Caricom?
There are other countries who are full members who do not allow freedom of movement. This has been said multiple times. How much clearer does it need to be said? Or do people just want to perpetuate a falsehood for political gain?
Saying it multiple times does not mean it’s true. Name the countries!!!
Verdad, I suggest you tell that to Donald Trump, Adolph Hitler, Boris Johnson and others.
Full Caricom membership must be heavily considered. On top of the immigration issues we must consider the judiciary and constitution. The adoption of the constitution could have the ability to derail our economy and it is the supreme law of in Commonwealth Caribbean countries. Our economic balance is based on UK Law and the Privy council. Just as an aside, the average per capital an income of full Caricom members is 18.2k vs. Bermuda in excess of 100k. Think Bermuda – are there any upsides?
No, Bermuda! Do not think! Do as the PLP Government says!
Jamaica still has the Privy Council as the final say in court cases.
Free movement , but better be prepared to wait 5. to. 10 months if you need to get your passport simply renewed .
We already do, Squid.
Burt has people thinking consultation means consulting with Bermuda. Clearly not, consultation means he consulting with Caricom then telling Bermuda the final result. Burt is out of his depth as usual but the consequences are likely to be severely negative to Bermuda, but clearly he doesn’t care. He lies here, god knows what he is saying abroad.
Ironic coming from an American Jamaican
Mr Burt tear down that wall………………….
Donald Burt.
Vote Demolion Fish.
Good to eat.