Column: Chris Famous On CARICOM
[Opinion column written by MP Chris Famous]
The Progressive Labour Party believes in putting Bermudians first. That’s the principle guiding our immigration policy, economic policy and our housing policies. Being Pro-Bermudian doesn’t mean being xenophobic or anti-immigration, it means making sure that immigration works for Bermudians and their families in the first instance.
Conversely, the OBA, or one MP in particular, has an ideology that our first order of business should be the granting of status and relaxing of immigration policies.
Facts vs Doublespeak
Yet, here is where the OBA demonstrates their doublespeak. They continue to push to liberalise immigration. However, they continue to regurgitate falsehoods about CARICOM via all media in order to twist the facts to stir confusion and division.
Today, let us lay out some facts:
- Full CARICOM Membership does not require us to be independent; quite frankly, we will most likely remain a colony of the United Kingdom.
- Full membership does not require us to adopt the Caribbean Court of Justice [CCJ];many Caribbean countries have opted to remain with the Privy Council.
- Most of all, fullmembership does not mean opening our borders with the free movement of persons.
On this point, we will not be embracing full free movement of persons. Please revert to the first point that Bermudians must come first in Bermuda. When we add in the present lack of affordable housing, there is zero room for uncontrolled immigration for anyone from anywhere.
So what’s the real issue?
Blatant Hypocrisy
Not a week goes by that the OBA, or one MP in particular, claims that the only way to lower costs is to give away Bermuda Status and allow more people into the island. Yet, at the same time they continue with falsehoods regarding CARICOM and by extension, persons of Caribbean Heritage.
The OBA can not say they are for diversity, economic growth or improving food security, yet, then malign the very same regional neighbors that could help all Bermudians.
Our positions are clear, we support responsible immigration that fills proven gaps, grows the economy, and protects Bermudian jobs and opportunities. We will support regional cooperation where it makes sense, with our Bermudian people at the center of every decision.
So, the next time the OBA lectures about giving away status and growing the population, ask them this:
Why do they fall over backwards for European and North American businesses, yet are so hostile to CARICOM and the people of the Caribbean?
- It was not a Caribbean business entity that robbed every Bermudian on the Airport deal. Neither was it a Caribbean entity that cost the taxpayers over $250 million at Morgans Point.
- It was the Parliament of the United Kingdom which in 2019 attempted to force an Order in Council that would harm our IB/Trust industry.
- It was in 2025 that the United States proposed to impose a new tax on each trip of the Oleander, thus increasing our food costs.
In the latter two of the above cases, it was CARICOM that collectively came to our aid.
The public rightfully has questions as to what the pros and cons of full membership could mean. As those terms are shared with us, we will share with the people of Bermuda. In the interim period, please do not be influenced by blatant hypocrisy.
- Chris Famous JP, MP, Constituency #11, Devonshire East
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An unintentionally hilarious ‘op-ed’.
Does absolutely nothing to answer valid questions in any meaningful manner about becoming a full member and what it would cost for Bermuda, but instead deflects only to state that Caricom has come to our aid on a handful of occasions.
The best part:
” – Full CARICOM Membership does not require us to be independent; quite frankly, we will most likely remain a colony of the United Kingdom.
- Full membership does not require us to adopt the Caribbean Court of Justice [CCJ];many Caribbean countries have opted to remain with the Privy Council.
- Most of all, full membership does not mean opening our borders with the free movement of persons.”
So what exactly is the point of us becoming full members then, Famous? If you’re gonna push so hard for it, at least try to sell the idea without telling us how we already have these “perks” without being a full member.
Mr. Apathy, you did not mention that the statement that “we will most likely remain a colony of the United Kingdom” runs directly counter to the PLP pledge to take Bermuda independent of the United Kingdom.