“We will not be bullied, threatened or intimidated.”

That was the defiant message from Michael Dunkley last night after Bermuda Industrial Union president Chris Furbert threatened to derail the America’s Cup if demands to renew the Reverend Nicholas Tweed’s work permit and to take the airport deal off the table were not met.

The Premier lamented that the lives of Bermudians were being interrupted “to fight an immigration issue over a non-Bermudian”, branding it the height of hypocrisy.

“It boggles my mind that Chris Furbert would use children as pawns around the threat of an island-wide strike,” Mr Dunkley told The Royal Gazette. “That Chris Furbert and his associates would put so much fervour into supporting a non-Bermudian and inconvenience the whole island, I find very unfortunate.

“This issue of a work permit in this matter is between the Church and the Government of Bermuda, not a union or the People’s Campaign. It is an issue between the Government and the Bishop, for whom I have great respect.

“If they want to make it a larger issue, then this government will not back down from doing the right thing. If there are those who wish to impede our progress, they impede the progress of all Bermudians and we all suffer.”

Mr Dunkley maintained that the Government was open to dialogue on all issues including the airport redevelopment project, which he described as a “good deal for Bermuda”, and insisted it was working in the best interests of all Bermudians.

“There is a balance between being strong and getting our message out in an appropriate way,” he said. “I don’t think the people want to see their leaders rant and rave.

“I am very passionate about every issue, and very disturbed by what took place today. As a leader, people want me to be calm, measured and composed. I can assure the people that I will not blink; I will be there because I care deeply about all our welfare.

“This government will stand firm, listen to the people and do the right thing.”

The Premier stated that Mr Tweed’s work permit application was rejected because the employer had not met the advertising requirements, and had failed to provide accurate and complete information as required of every applicant.

He also told The Royal Gazette that the new work permit policy had been implemented after “broad consultation” with various stakeholders, including Mr Furbert. “All that we ask of any work permit applicant is to abide by those rules, and that is what the process in this particular case endeavoured to make happen,” Mr Dunkley said.

“The lapses that led to this situation are unfortunate and disappointing because they have served no constructive purpose. What is even more disappointing is that there are some who are choosing to rally Bermudians to fight an immigration issue over a non-Bermudian and call for interruptions in the lives of Bermudians.”

Mr Dunkley also gave details on his meeting yesterday to discuss the issue with the presiding prelate of the First Episcopal District of the AME Church.

Reporting on his “full and frank discussion” with the Right Reverend Gregory Ingram, he said: “The Bishop had questions about Bermuda immigration law and I answered those questions directly.

“The rules that support Bermuda’s immigration policy are designed first and foremost to protect Bermudians in the workplace.

“They have been put in place to make sure every Bermudian gets every opportunity to secure employment that might otherwise go to a non-Bermudian.

“Protecting employment opportunities for Bermudians is one of the most important responsibilities of the Bermuda Government. When developments challenge these protections, as they have in this case, the Government must be resolute in the defence of Bermudian opportunity. The Government’s position on the matter is therefore unchanged.

“The principle at stake is fundamental: one set of rules for everyone. We need that principle in place — and the level playing field it implies — to build a future that is open to all Bermudians to share in and prosper.

“I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Bishop Ingram and to hear his views on the matter. He is a great spiritual and community leader, whom I have got to know, respect and support in recent years. He leads a vibrant Church that plays a vital and positive role in the life of the island.

“I have faith that we can move forward from this situation for the better Bermuda we all want.”

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