The One Bermuda Alliance is renewing its call for a referendum on full CARICOM membership, arguing the government has yet to make its case to Bermudians.
Shadow Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy has called on the government to put the question of full CARICOM membership to the public through a referendum, saying the case for joining has not been made out.
In a statement, Mr Fahy said the One Bermuda Alliance has consistently called for a Green Paper, followed by a White Paper, and then a referendum — a position it has held since November 2023.
Mr Fahy argued that the government’s Story of Us document falls short of a proper Green Paper, saying it does not fully explore the pros and cons of full CARICOM membership.
“What is of prime importance is that the Government lay out its case as to why associate membership is no longer appropriate for Bermuda and why full membership will benefit all Bermudians,” Mr Fahy said. “So far that case has not been made out in the Story of Us.”
The statement acknowledged the emotional and cultural ties between Bermudians and Caribbean nations, but said these do not remove the government’s obligation to justify a change from associate to full membership.
“We remain of the view that if the Government is so convinced this is what Bermudians want then they should stand on their convictions and bring the matter before the people by holding a referendum,” Mr Fahy said. “What is the Government afraid of?”
Media release supplied.
