Column: OBA’s Fahy On CARICOM & More
[Opinion column written by OBA MP Michael Fahy]
Bermuda stands at a crossroads. The Government’s push toward full CARICOM membership has the potential to reshape our island’s economy, our immigration system, and our long-term constitutional future. When decisions can lead to fundamental shifts in our relationships with other countries, they require transparency, analysis, and, most importantly, the informed consent by whom the decision will affect—all of us.
Sadly, rather than clarity, there is still confusion on what full membership may look like. This is unacceptable. For years, we have been told that full CARICOM membership will benefit us, but the Government is short on details and long on rhetoric.
There are questions that I believe should be answered before we can properly consider full CARICOM membership.
Where is the economic modelling? Where is the immigration impact study? Where is the list of obligations, financial contributions, or legal implications? Where is the draft membership agreement the Government is “waiting for”?
The Premier and the Minister of Home Affairs have assured us that everything is under control, while simultaneously insisting we do not need a referendum.
That is not how democracy works, and it is certainly not how a responsible government handles a decision as potentially consequential as this one.
My position has been consistent. I am not anti-CARICOM, rather, I believe we must evaluate CARICOM membership with facts, not just feelings. We need rigorous economic analysis, immigration modelling, and a clear articulation of what Bermuda must give and what it might gain. A full listing of pros and cons. Right now, none of that exists in the public domain.
We must also have a dialogue about free movement. The Government keeps insisting that Bermuda will “opt out” of free movement, but CARICOM’s own core documents indicate its importance. This has been demonstrated very recently with the free movement of nationals between Belize, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Barbados, and Dominica. Targeted and controlled labour mobility could benefit Bermuda, but that debate has been shut down before it even starts.
Interestingly, it was reported the keynote speaker at the recent PLP gala, E.P. “Chet” Greene, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs,of Antigua & Barbuda, said to attendees that the Caribbean region was enhancing co-operation, piloting free movement and working to make supply chains more efficient and effective.
He asked the gathering if Bermuda wanted to be involved in shaping that change. He went further and said Bermuda could establish pathways for Bermudian nurses and coders to work across the region, while opening the door for trade, supply resilience and capital investment. The PLP may very well be too swift in dismissing free movement in some shape or form.
We must engage the public meaningfully. This process must include business leaders, (both local and international businesses) the unions, young people, seniors, and the general public. This should not happen after a draft agreement is received, but before. Consultation is not something done to people; it is done with them.
Ultimately, Bermudians must decide, not the Premier and his Cabinet ministers. Not party executives. Not political strategists. The people must decide. A referendum is not only appropriatee, but also essential.
If the Government makes a strong case, if the evidence shows clear benefits, then Bermudians may well choose to move forward. I would support that. But we must be given the choice. Meanwhile, the Government’s approach is flawed in three fundamental ways.
In the first instance, it seems to be decisions first, justification later, as demonstrated by the Premier when he announced Bermuda’s intent to join CARICOM before commissioning analysis. That is backwards.
Secondly, instead of engaging with the facts, the Government dismisses legitimate questions as “fearmongering” or “prejudiced.”
This tactic stifles public participation and undermines trust.
Thirdly, by refusing a referendum and insisting only on a parliamentary vote, the Government is signalling that it wants control rather than consensus.
CARICOM membership may very well be good for Bermuda. It may help our economy, deepen our regional ties, and expand opportunities for our people. But we cannot know that until the facts are presented honestly and transparently, and not without scrutiny, not without consultation, and certainly not without consent.
The Government must present the full facts. The consultation must be real, not performative. Immigration and economic implications must be honestly debated and Bermuda must have a referendum.
I encourage you to express this to your Member of Parliament. Email us. Call us. Tell us that this is too important to be swept through Cabinet and rubber-stamped in the House.
Full CARICOM membership may be part of our future, but only if the people choose it.
- Shadow Housing & Municipalities Minister Michael Fahy
You could have wrapped your statement up a lot quicker with blah! Blah! Blah! Blah!
Where are your ideas to financially strengthen the people of Bermuda? Are you interested in lowering the cost of basic necessities? Rent electricity or groceries?
All you do is pick at the Government without the slightest hope for the people. This tactic is archaic and plain idiotic. Please move with the times or your departure will be swift again.
Mr Lions Paw I am not surprised that you leave no doubt that you have nothing to offer than a barrage of complaints. You would do well to look for the good in people as humiliation and intimidation is un rewarding and un ~ called for!
YES. , We have no banners and not much else.
Over the last 50 years I have see the economic state of Bermuda fall into ever decreasing decline. Bermuda’s economy needs at least a million dollars a day to change hands . Many businesses to day are selling junk mostly from last years left overs . We are presently living off the skin of the rice pudding, all we have to offer is nothing other than service , i note that other countries to our south are not much better off . Our cruise ship passenger do not want to stay over as we are too expensive . life here is all about a constant risk which will break our back as we are a country with out reserves. Many drown their sorrows holding the green bottle being in a constant state of inebriation. Big hotels are no longe a venue for pease an tranquility, as our visitors become a number on a door. Our greatest gift is hospitality which is fading fast through lack of enthusiasm . Our heaviest burden is taxation which sucks the life blood from every one . Crime will always beaks a countries spirit we are being held to ransom, regrettably to stay at home in front of the T.V. as or streets are dangerous also in more ways than one . we are short of people who barely make it to old age .
A life lived in fear is a life half lived.
I have a question for you all .
“What are they and you going to do about the mess we presently have found our selves in ?”