Column: Minister Lightbourne On Caricom
[Opinion column written by Minister Alexa Lightbourne]
As Bermuda continues its careful exploration of enhanced Caricom membership, recent statements by Shadow Minister Michael Fahy have unfortunately misrepresented and undermined the Government’s deliberate, transparent, and inclusive approach to this important national dialogue. These misleading assertions echo past efforts by Opposition predecessors, notably the United Bermuda Party [UBP] and One Bermuda Alliance [OBA], who similarly sought to discourage deeper Caricom engagement by spreading misinformation and promoting unfounded fears.
It is essential to clarify that Bermuda is already an associate member of Caricom, a status we share with all other regional British Overseas Territories and territories from French and Dutch jurisdictions such as Martinique and Curaçao.. Therefore, our current discussions are not about initiating a completely new relationship, but rather about enhancing our existing relationship to maximize the potential opportunities and benefits it can offer.
Historically, both the UBP and OBA administrations have often negatively framed the prospect of deepening Bermuda’s integration within Caricom. These tactics have included false claims regarding immigration, misleading narratives about economic dependence, and exaggerated fears over national sovereignty. Despite these inaccurate representations, active engagement with Caricom over the past two decades has consistently demonstrated clear and tangible benefits—recently illustrated by Caricom’s critical role in advocating against proposed tariffs on Bermuda-registered ships.
Caricom’s fundamental purpose is to foster sustainable regional development, economic cooperation, cultural solidarity, and collective international negotiation power. By enhancing our existing membership, Bermuda stands to significantly benefit from strengthened regional partnerships, increased economic opportunities, and a reaffirmation of the cultural and historical ties that link us closely with our Caribbean neighbors.
The Government will outline a structured and thoughtful pathway toward full membership. We have formally requested a draft membership agreement from Caricom to facilitate comprehensive public education and informed discussions. These discussions will culminate in the publication of a Green Paper, providing all Bermudians with detailed insights into membership obligations, benefits, and potential impacts, and ensuring an informed and inclusive decision-making process.
The narrative advanced by the Opposition suggesting that a decision has already been made or that the consultation is superficial is categorically incorrect, divisive, and detrimental to constructive public discourse. I invite all Bermudians to participate actively in the forthcoming consultations. Your informed voices and views are essential to shaping Bermuda’s path forward.
We must move beyond misleading claims and instead engage in factual, constructive dialogue that truly reflects our democratic values and shared aspirations. By doing so, we can collectively embrace the opportunities offered by a strengthened relationship within Caricom, securing a prosperous and unified future for Bermuda within the broader Caribbean community.
- By Alexa Lightbourne Minister of Home Affairs, JP, MP, Constituency #14, Devonshire North West
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The Minister is not being truthful. Michael Fahy is a lawyer and ex Minister of Home Affairs and has far greater experience in these matters. For example, the budget states a White Paper, and the PLP admitted that it was an error when Fahy pointed out it should be a Green Paper. A deliberate error?
The PLP is well known for its secrecy and for withholding information from the public. Using AI to write a fluff piece like this merely reinforces their failure to provide full information, then blame the OBA for calling them out.
Fahy is doing a good job keeping the weak pathetic oba looking like the UBP. Good work opposition.
Well said Alexa.
Fahy is operating from the same OBA playbook of misinformation to rile people up with misleading information. It is disingenuous at best, but not surprising.
They have never supported closer links with the Caribbean and have always wanted to divide the community in that regard.
What do you think of the open border Caricom states have with each other? Work permits are not required to work in brother/sister countries. Do you see this having an impact on Bermuda?
All caricom members do not allow freedom of movement among countries. this has been stated numerous times. Why do some refuse to acknowledge what has been said with the hope of continuing to provide misinformation?
On what basis do you say that freedom of movement within CARICOM countries is “misinformation”?
Did you read the comment above yours ? Obviously not .. lol
Ms Lightbourne
I wonder if you have ever heard some of these saying and know what they all means and the consequenves thy relate too as they could relates to where this country is headed.
may we assume that you surely must know you should ” never trust you competition “who will consume this island business with out reservation.
it is better you” know your adversary book of tricks” than the “one you dont know ” hope they down south are not ” sweet talking you ” to a romance the will lead to disaster.
“Never hold the hand of a person who is walking the other direction” .
” All the giglitters in not gold .
i fear what you are cotemtemplating doing will turn sour what have they give us in the past as the take all
” Bermuda has done very well stearing it own ship”.
” Fools ruch in where angels fear to tread “.
The very worst thing you can do is” not realise the consequences of your actions” and that is to” put your head in a lions mouth”.
“There will be no turning back”. the least you can do is” wait and see as patience is the virtue.” as you most likely will be” heading for the reefs”.
*****We find you to be with out doubt, a brilliant woman .*****
Let that be” your shining glory” .
Bermuda is a nation where we need to feed our own people not theirs .
Bermuda will be here after we a long gone stay home here an “bake your own bread ”
” What they will loose we will gain , even if its scrapps from the table “.
” Never let another man put his hand in your pocket” .