Michael Fahy On US, Visas, CARICOM & More
[Updated] “The question is whether full membership in a bloc whose members have just been collectively downgraded by our most important economic partner serves Bermuda’s best interests at this time,” Shadow Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy said.
Mr. Fahy said, “Last week, the United States Department of State released a list of countries for which the processing of immigrant visas will be suspended. Seventy-five countries appear on that list. Included is every full member of the Caribbean Community [CARICOM] except Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Suriname.
“This measure does not prevent citizens of those countries from visiting the United States. However, it does represent a clear downgrading of their favourability status in the eyes of the U.S. government. Whether you agree with or oppose the policy of the administration of the US President is beside the point. The reality is that this shift has occurred, and Bermuda must now carefully and pragmatically assess its implications.
“Trinidad and Tobago’s exclusion from the list is not difficult to understand. It has maintained close cooperation with the United States on regional security and energy matters, including access to its ports for U.S. naval vessels.
“Guyana’s omission is even more straightforward. Its oil sector is being developed by ExxonMobil, a massive American oil company, placing Guyana firmly within Washington’s strategic and economic interests.
“As for Suriname it would appear the US Government is satisfied with its functional compliance with US expectations and requirements.
“What is equally striking is that Bermuda does not appear on this list. That fact underscores an important point. Bermuda is already regarded differently, and more favourably, than most of our Caribbean neighbours. This standing has been earned through decades of sound governance, regulatory credibility, and the careful maintenance of strong bilateral relationships. It is against this backdrop that the government’s pursuit of full CARICOM membership must continue to be carefully evaluated.
“The question is not whether regional cooperation has value. Cooperation always normally has merit. The question is whether full membership in a bloc whose members have just been collectively downgraded by our most important economic partner serves Bermuda’s best interests at this time.
“The United States is overwhelmingly Bermuda’s largest and most consequential economic relationship. International business, financial services, tourism, aviation links, and of course the Bermuda reinsurance market are all deeply linked to U.S. policy, perception, and goodwill. Any step that risks diluting Bermuda’s distinct and favourable standing must therefore be approached with extreme caution. With continued uncertainty in the global order, it is our duty to be vigilant in protecting advantages that directly support Bermuda jobs, investment, and economic stability. Such core national interests deserve full transparency and rigorous debate.
“The OBA is committed to ensuring that any decision involving CARICOM is subjected to thorough scrutiny. Bermudians deserve clear answers about how such a move would affect our international standing, our relationship with the United States, and our long-term economic prospects. The fact is, Bermuda has prospered by understanding its unique position in the world and by acting with strategic discipline rather than ideological impulse.
“As Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, I will continue to advocate for policies that safeguard Bermuda’s international reputation, protect our economic interests, and reflect prudent, responsible governance, including pushing for a referendum on CARICOM. Full CARICOM membership is not a decision to be rushed, nor one to be taken lightly. The stakes for Bermuda’s future are simply too high.
“Let me be very clear. This is not an argument against regional cooperation. Bermuda already cooperates effectively with our Caribbean neighbours on a range of issues. Nor is it a rejection of shared history or cultural ties. The question is narrower and more serious. Does full membership in a regional bloc, whose members have just been collectively downgraded by our most important economic partner, enhance or weaken Bermuda’s strategic position? Sometimes perception is everything.”
Update 5.56pm: Minister of Home Affairs Alexa Lightbourne said, “Administrative visa processing changes do not diminish the standing, dignity, or value of countries. Language suggesting that such changes “downgrade” countries and their citizens is neither diplomatically appropriate nor reflective of the mutual respect that should characterize regional discourse.
“Any future relationship with CARICOM would be carefully structured to preserve Bermuda’s fundamental characteristics.
“Our British Overseas Territory [OT] status, constitution and legal system, robust financial services regulatory framework, tax structure, and established bilateral relationships would remain.
“The suggestion that regional cooperation would compromise these foundational elements misunderstands how Bermuda would approach any such arrangement.
“This Government and our Ministry remain committed to thorough public consultation and transparent decision-making regarding CARICOM.
“This includes assessment of economic implications, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring Bermudians have access to accurate, complete information about what any regional relationship would and would not entail.
“The Government’s first commitment is to protecting Bermuda’s economic interests and international reputation.
“Regional cooperation represents an opportunity, not a risk. Bermuda’s prosperity has always depended on strategic engagement with the wider world, not isolation from it.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs will continue to approach this matter with the careful consideration it deserves, grounded in evidence rather than speculation, and focused on Bermuda’s long-term strategic interests.”
An excellent point.
I find it very convenient that Mr. Fahy left out The British overseas territory Montserrat, which is a full member state of caricom that does not appear on this list of 75 nations. Guess he can’t explain that one without weakening his argument.
Feel free to chime in with an explanation as to why Montserrat is compliant with US visa processing while several other CARICOM countries are not. Just the facts, please.
US State Department – Immigrant Visa Processing Updates for Nationalities at High Risk of Public Benefits Usage
Last Updated: January 14, 2026
President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans. The Department of State is undergoing a full review of all policies, regulations, and guidance to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge.
Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State is pausing all visa issuances to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
The Americas
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Nicaragua
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Uruguay
As you say, Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory, not a CARICOM country. Residents of Montserrat have British and/ or BOTC passports.
It also worth pointing out that Montserrat has fewer than 5,000 inhabitants and is FATF compliant.
They still have full caricom membership. Caricom membership doesn’t mean you have to give up your Bot or British passport. Stop the propaganda
Montserrat has held full Caricom membership since 1974 , and yes the residents Have British and or BOTC passport just like us in Bermuda.
If you say so. But CARICOM membership alone is not the issue.
The issue is that the attitude of the U.S. Government toward the named islands “does represent a clear downgrading of their favourability status in the eyes of the U.S. government.”
There are reasons (other than CARICOM membership) why the population of Montserrat, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Suriname have escaped U.S. sanctions on visiting the U.S. But the list of sanctioned islands also suggests commonality amongst most CARICOM members.
I find it very convenient the Mr. Fahy did not mention the British Overseas Territory Montserrat that has full caricom membership and does not appear on the list of 75 nations. I guess that weaken his argument.
Your lies and ignorance have ‘weakened’ you barely existent argument.
You’ve embarrassed yourself.
No lies in my statement just facts. Montserrat is British Overseas territory with full Caricom membership.
They have had full member since 1974. It’s people have BOTC and/or British passports just like Bermuda. The Caribbean countries affected by the visa ban did not get to that position by being apart of the caricom trade bloc.
I am not sure what Caricom membership does for Bermuda ?
As a British colony we enjoy the benefits offered by the Uk, eg the right to work in UK, go to school and settle in the UK etc: and for that matter restrict UK expats / citizens from have the same privileges.(which is understandable)
Bermuda should focus on US trade, UK relationship and should be donating / spending 5 % of GDP on our regiment of be contributing this to the UK defense, US defense or NATO. The fact that 5% of Bermuda GDP is de minimus compared, does not absolve our responsibility. We should not be a “free loader”
Let’s focus on Bermuda issues:
A. Tourism – grade A (good job Premier Burt RE S Princess US $ and Elbow deals UK $)) –
B.International Business – grade A (good job Premier Burt as minister of finance, you have been a steward in reinsurance an envy of world)
C. Affordable Housing – “work in process” (Z Desilva thanks for thinking “out of the box” you have a challenge …. )
Respectfully
That’s hilarious.
You sound like Keir, drooling over trump.
Bermudas economy exists due to the charity of Tourists, and international business.
Bermudas has pink sand.