The Progressive Labour Party believes in putting Bermudians first. That’s the principle guiding our immigration policy, economic policy and our housing policies. Being pro-Bermudian does not mean being xenophobic or anti-immigration; it means making sure that immigration works for Bermudians and their families in the first instance.

Conversely, the One Bermuda Alliance — or rather one MP in particular — has an ideology that our first order of business should be the granting of status and relaxing of immigration policies.

Facts v Doublespeak

Here is where the OBA demonstrates its doublespeak. In continuing to push to liberalise immigration, it regurgitates falsehoods about Caricom via all media in order to twist the facts and stir confusion and division.

Today, let us lay out some facts:

• Full Caricom membership does not require us to be independent; quite frankly, we would most likely remain a colony of the United Kingdom

• Full membership does not require us to adopt the Caribbean Court of Justice; many Caribbean countries have opted to remain with the Privy Council.

• Most of all, full membership does not mean opening our borders with the free movement of persons

On this point, we will not be embracing full free movement of persons. Please revert to the first point that Bermudians must come first in Bermuda. When we add in the present lack of affordable housing, there is zero room for uncontrolled immigration for anyone from anywhere.

So what’s the real issue?

Blatant hypocrisy

Not a week goes by that the OBA, or one MP in particular, claims that the only way to lower costs is to give away Bermuda status and allow more people on to the island. Yet, at the same time they continue with falsehoods regarding Caricom and, by extension, persons of Caribbean heritage.

The OBA cannot say it is for diversity, economic growth or improving food security, but then malign the very same regional neighbours who could help every Bermudian.

Our positions are clear: we support responsible immigration that fills proven gaps, grows the economy, and protects Bermudian jobs and opportunities. We will support regional co-operation where it makes sense, with our Bermudian people at the centre of every decision.

So, the next time the OBA lectures about giving away status and growing the population, ask them this:

Why do they fall over backwards for European and North American businesses, yet are so hostile to Caricom and the people of the Caribbean?

• It was not a Caribbean business entity that robbed every Bermudian on the airport deal. Nor was it a Caribbean entity that cost the taxpayers more than $250 million at Morgan’s Point.

• It was the British Parliament which in 2019 attempted to force an Order in Council that would harm our international business/trust industry.

• It was in 2025 that the United States proposed to impose a new tax on each trip of the Oleander container ship, thus increasing our food costs

In the latter two of the above cases, it was Caricom that came to our aid.

The public rightfully have questions as to what the pros and cons of full membership could mean. As those terms are shared with us, we will share with the people of Bermuda. In the interim period, please do not be influenced by blatant hypocrisy.

• Christopher Famous is a government backbencher and the MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11)