Initial thoughts on full Caricom membership are expected to be provided by the organisation’s officials to the Bermuda Government soon, the House of Assembly heard yesterday.

David Burt said that “all necessary information” will be provided to the public as the next steps are considered.

The Premier’s statement to MPs came after his return from the 49th Caricom heads of government meeting in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Bermuda is an associate member of the network and permission has been received from the British Government to explore full Caricom membership.

Mr Burt said yesterday that it was important to build on work started earlier “in pressing for the full detail on Bermuda’s pursuit of full membership in Caricom”.

He told the House: “With the firm support of the conference, technical and legal advisers within the Caricom secretariat will shortly provide us with the initial considerations for that full membership.

“These considerations will include financial matters, legal and treaty matters and the areas of negotiation on those terms and conditions which we require be applied to Bermuda’s proposed membership.”

Mr Burt said: “I wish to reiterate that the Government’s commitment is to a fulsome process which provides all necessary information to the public as we consider the next steps.

“The public consultation will be informed by facts and not age-old prejudices.

“There are too many commonalities between us and the Caribbean to contemplate this strong relationship being weakened by misinformation.”

The Caricom heads of government meeting took place as Andrew Holness, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, took his place as chairman of the conference.

Mr Burt said: “An aggressive agenda was adopted which covered such diverse topics as regional security, the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, regional transport and telecommunications.

“On behalf of Bermuda it is always humbling to share our experiences in areas of common challenge and demonstrate the successes which we have enjoyed and the hard work we have devoted to these achievements.

“Caribbean colleagues are receptive to the Bermuda story and it was important to renew acquaintances and forge new partnerships in the wake of several elections in various countries since last we met.”

The Premier noted Bermuda’s association with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation as well as the appointment of Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons as president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police.

He also cited the participation of the Larry Mussenden, the Chief Justice, in the 2025 Conference of Chief Justices and Heads of the Judiciary of the Caribbean, in Nassau, the Bahamas.

Mr Burt said: “We are welcomed by Caribbean entities and institutions and our service at the highest levels of regional bodies demonstrates that we are respected in and by the Caribbean.

"It is a strong relationship and this most recent attendance at the 49th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government served to strengthen that strong relationship.

“We look forward to the information now promised and to the engagement with the people of Bermuda that will further inform the next steps in the journey towards full membership in Caricom.”

Jarion Richardson, the Leader of the Opposition, asked if the Government would commit to presenting Caricom membership terms to the public and legislators before entering any formal negotiations, “thereby guaranteeing that no final decision will be taken without a full public vote and parliamentary approval”.

The Premier replied that the draft membership agreement will be shared in the House of Assembly and said that it would be “certainly something that we can vote on” in the House.

Mr Richardson noted that the response did not confirm there would be a public vote.

He added: “Concerns around freedom of movement, immigration control and treaty obligations have not been formally addressed.

“Will the Premier confirm that Bermuda will retain sovereign control over immigration policy and will any proposed exemptions or opt-outs from Caricom protocols be made public before negotiations advance?”

Mr Burt responded: “Bermuda, as all Caricom countries, remain sovereign when it comes to matters related to immigration, so the answer to the question is yes. And will we publish and discuss all these matters? The answer is yes.”

The Royal Gazette asked if the Premier would confirm whether there is an intention to take the issue of full Caricom membership to a public vote or referendum.

Mr Burt replied that the latest talks around Caricom membership are “not about initiating a completely new relationship, but rather about enhancing our existing relationship to maximise the potential opportunities and benefits it can offer”.

He added: “Full membership is about building on our strong and historical ties to the Caribbean.

“Bermudians have deep connections across the region that span generations.

“After winning a third consecutive election with a clear mandate, this Government has the support to lead, and any proposed membership agreement will be fully considered by the people’s elected representatives following a thorough and transparent public consultation.”

• To see David Burt’s statement in full, see Related Media

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