Dear Sir,

I write to your readers regarding Bermuda’s consideration of whether to move from associate member status in Caricom to full membership.

This is not a minor administrative decision. It is a major national issue that could affect Bermuda’s economy, labour market, constitutional relationship, international positioning, public spending and long-term future.

The purpose of this petition is not to attack Caricom, the Caribbean region or any political party. It is also not to prejudge how Bermudians should vote. The purpose is simple: Bermudians should be allowed to decide for themselves.

Many Bermudians have legitimate concerns about full Caricom membership. These include questions about Bermuda’s unique economic position, its status as an international financial centre, its relationship with Britain, its North Atlantic trade and supply links, the possible implications of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy, and the cost of full membership.

There are also important questions about what benefits full membership would provide to Bermudians, whether Bermuda would be expected to participate in any form of free movement of skilled persons, and whether the Government has fully assessed the financial, legal, economic and constitutional implications.

These concerns are not unreasonable. They are exactly the kind of questions responsible citizens should ask before a country makes a long-term decision.

At the public meeting held at Penno’s Wharf in St George’s on May 19, many attendees felt that the meeting did not provide enough opportunity for meaningful public participation. On an issue this serious, public consultation must be more than a presentation. Bermudians deserve clear answers, full transparency and a direct vote.

Before any final decision is made, the Government should provide the public with detailed information that goes beyond the broad and often vague explanations contained in the Green Paper, including:

• The expected full annual cost of Caricom membership

• The specific rights, obligations and exemptions Bermuda would have as a full member

• Whether Bermuda would participate in the Caribbean Single Market and Economy

• Whether full membership would affect work-permit policy or free-movement rules

• The economic benefits Bermuda is expected to gain

• Comparative data on Caricom member states, including debt levels, crime statistics,

voter populations and external economic influence

• Any constitutional implications for Bermuda’s relationship with Britain

This petition calls for one clear thing: let Bermuda vote

An online petition has been created for registered voters in Bermuda who believe the Government should hold a clear yes-or-no referendum before any application for full Caricom membership proceeds. The petition does not tell Bermudians how to vote on Caricom membership itself. It simply asks that the people be given the right to decide directly on an issue of this scale.

The petition is at c.org/Spt7V8vnTt.

If full Caricom membership is truly in Bermuda’s best interest, the Government should have no fear of putting the question directly to the people. A referendum would give the issue democratic legitimacy and ensure that Bermuda’s future is decided by Bermudians.

We therefore call on all registered voters in Bermuda to sign this petition demanding a national referendum on whether Bermuda should apply to become a full member of Caricom.

This is not about division. It is about democracy, transparency and respect for the people.

Before signing or forming a final opinion, we encourage all Bermudians to read The Story of Us, the Green Paper released by the Government outlining what full Caricom membership would entail. This is a major national decision, and its potential implications for Bermudian citizens should be considered thoroughly.

Let the people decide.

DANIEL MARSHALL