OBA’s Robinson On Caricom, Referendum, More
“Once again, I implore the Minister to consider having a referendum,” OBA MP Dwayne Robinson in reference to the possibility of Bermuda joining CARICOM as a full member.
Mr Robinson, who is the Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, said, “I invite the Government to clarify its current position on a referendum for full membership of CARICOM. Despite our consistent opposition, the Premier made it crystal clear that full membership would be decided by Parliament.
“However, during today’s question period, the Minister of Home Affairs’ position seems to have softened as she could not rule out the possibility of there being one. While we welcome this apparent shift away from an absolute no, I ask that the Government be clear with the public on where it currently stands on whether a referendum will be held.
“During the question period the Minister mentioned the need to gather more information to make an informed decision. I was under the impression that was the purpose of the Government’s Green Paper which will lead to the White Paper.
“What additional information does the Government require? Has the petition of almost 4000 signatures and the most recent Narrative Research results which shows 81% of respondents supporting a referendum on full membership of CARICOM, softened her resolve to deny Bermudians a say in this matter?
“Once again, I implore the Minister to consider having a referendum. Not just as an opportunity to increase democratic participation but as a further learning and public discourse opportunity for Bermudians on this topic.”
A referendum on such an important matter is demanded, not requested. How can it be decided by MP’s when the PLP have an absolute majority, with none ever voting against the PLP, and yet they only represent around 25% of the registered voters?
If there was a backbench with their own minds and beliefs maybe, but that is not the case here – total obedience to the Party.