Says opposition’s approach promotes ‘a race to the bottom’
Alaska Hall, PLP Headquarters: Premier David Burt was joined by Minister and Economy and Labour Jason Hayward and C8 Candidate for Smith’s South Lauren Hayward Bell to discuss their stance on immigration.
They say that they’re fighting for a Bermuda where Bermudians are first in line for opportunties they’ve earned, and where no worker is exploited.
Premier Burt says that the government has worked tirelessly to keep Bermudians at the front for jobs, education, and advancement. He points to an increase in scholarships and training opportunities for Bermudians.
Regarding the opposition One Bermuda Alliance, Premier Burt believes they are out of touch. “OBA’s policy would redefine what it means to be Bermudian with Pathways to Status.
The ‘protests, betrayal, and silence’ the PLP remembers.”
The three reminding the media of the OBA’s controversial ‘Pathways to Status’, calling it a policy that sidelines locals in favour of others.
“Immigration has been weaponised by the forefathers of the One Bermuda Alliance”, according to Burt.
He also points to sister British Overseas Territory the Cayman Islands, stating that a similar policy implemented there led to an increase in crime, skyrocketing housing costs, and native-born Caymanians becoming minorities in their own country.
“There are ways to grow our economy while keeping Bermudians at the heart of our success… Unlike the One Bermuda Alliance, the PLP listens.”
Minister of Economy and Labour Jason Hayward says that the PLP prioritises a “fair, measured, Bermudian-first approach to immigration” and seeks for maintaining a country where “opportunities for Bermudians are not diminished.”
We’ll have more on this topic in subsequent updates.
Bermuda Broadcasting’s Gary Foster Skelton was in attendance, and posed a number of questions to the trio. Watch the full presser—including the media Q&A—above.
