Additional town hall meetings have been announced as part of a national discussion on joining the Caribbean community.

One for the West End in on May 14 at St James Church Hall in Sandys, while the East End meeting is set for May 19 at Penno’s Wharf Cruise Ship Terminal, St George’s. Both will proceed at 7pm.

Alexa Lightbourne, Minister of Home Affairs, said: “This consultation belongs to the people of Bermuda and these town halls exist so that every person has the opportunity to be heard.”

The public consultation follow the first open Caricom discussion in April.

It came after the release of a Green Paper outlining Caricom benefits, along with an online survey and discussions aimed at groups from unions to youth organisations.

Benefits were said to include expanded market access, better food security and increased skills and worker exchange.

However, public concerns have included immigration control and the responsibilities and costs associated with full membership.

Bermuda has been one of Caricom’s seven associate members since 2003.

The community features 15 full members and seven observers, which include Mexico and Puerto Rico.