Ben Smith On Caricom, US Travel Access, More
“The recent statement by the US Consulate confirms why it was important to ask the Government if full CARICOM membership would affect visa-free travel for Bermudians,” Opposition Leader Ben Smith said.
Mr Smith said, “It was not a scare tactic, but a question that needed a clear answer—and now it has been received.
“This was never about claiming that full CARICOM membership would automatically end visa-free travel to the United States. It was about making sure the Government had done its homework before asking Bermudians to support such a significant change.
“When I asked whether the Premier consulted the United States about any possible implications for our visa-free travel and pre-clearance arrangements, the Government dismissed the concern and said there was “no basis” for it.
“We now know that Bermuda’s visa-free access is a matter of US policy, not a bilateral agreement with Bermuda or the United Kingdom, and that US policy can be revised.
“The United States is Bermuda’s largest trading partner and our most important travel connection. Thousands of Bermudians depend on easy access to the US for business, education, healthcare, family and holidays.
“The Premier therefore needs to answer a very simple question. Before launching his public campaign for full CARICOM membership, did his Government seek and receive assurances from the United States that the change would have no impact on Bermuda’s existing travel arrangements?
“If the answer is yes, tell the public when those discussions took place and what assurances were received.
“If the answer is no, then the Premier and his Government have been irresponsible with something that is far too important to Bermudians to simply assume.
“And this is bigger than one question about US travel. Full membership in CARICOM would represent a significant change in Bermuda’s relationship with the region. The Government should not be campaigning for a predetermined outcome while important questions remain unanswered.
“Give Bermuda the real facts. Answer the real questions. Then trust the people of Bermuda to decide for themselves through a referendum.That is what proper consultation should look like.”
