6 July, 2014

Dear Sir,

It’s great to see the One Bermuda Alliance finally take a positive position and allow resident Permanent Resident Certificate holders to apply for status.

A suggestion: Many PRC’s have left Bermuda because of the inability to have full rights including the right to vote. The OBA should include those who have left in the hope that some will return and contribute to the economy which is desperately in need of more residents for support.

Keep in mind PRC’s had to have been here since at least 1989 in order to apply. Many had been here since the early 1970s, when status was available after three years of residency. That privilege was taken away in the late 1970s when some visiting English politician declared that only those who had voted in the previous election would be permitted to vote, thereby disenfranchising many. Surprisingly the United Bermuda Party didn’t challenge the ruling and allowed it to stand. Given more residents perhaps we could see Front Street regain its former appeal and hopefully the return of Smith’s and Triminghams!

ARCY DUBYA