OBA Leader On CARICOM Membership & More
“If the Government truly believes most Bermudians want full membership of CARICOM then let’s allow Bermudians to decide,” Opposition Leader Ben Smith said.
Mr. Smith said, “Recently, in the House of Assembly, The Premier confirmed the Government has not received independent legal advice nor held discussions with the US Government regarding the potential impact that full membership in CARICOM may have on Bermuda’s travel permissions and immigration privileges.
“The Premier’s admission should concern every Bermudian.
“For months, the Government has been engaged in an aggressive public propaganda campaign promoting the full membership. Yet despite that campaign, the Premier acknowledged that the work necessary to understand the implications for Bermudians has not yet been carried out and is instead being deferred to a future White Paper.
“This raises a simple question.
“Why are Bermudian taxpayers paying for the PLP Government to sell a policy before the it has completed the necessary due diligence?
“Bermudians enjoy important travel privileges that are often taken for granted. We benefit from US pre-clearance at our airport. We enjoy the ease of visa-free travel to the United States.
“Bermudians frequently travel overseas for education, healthcare, business, family commitments, and leisure. These are not abstract policy issues. They affect the everyday lives of Bermudians and the opportunities available to our future generations.
“Yet the Government seems to have already made its decision, and is now trying to persuade the public through a propaganda campaign.
“This is why I asked the Premier whether he has obtained independent legal advice or assurances from the US government.
“Today, the answer to those important questions appears to be no.
“The issue is not whether someone supports or opposes CARICOM. The issue is whether the Government has done its homework before asking Bermudians to support a major policy change.
“Bermudians deserve transparency, compelling evidence, and informed debate. We should not be asked to accept assurances when the Government has failed to complete all the necessary analysis.
“The Government is promoting its desired outcome of full membership, rather than managing a fair and proper consultation process.
“Because of this, it is more important than ever for Bermudians to decide through a Referendum.
“If the Government truly believes most Bermudians want full membership of CARICOM then let’s allow Bermudians to decide.”
Scare tactics as usual. Why would we expect that by joining Caricom we would lose pre-clearance? has that been stated or implied by the US?