An online petition that urges the Government to hold a referendum before committing the island to becoming a full member of Caricom has gained more than 1,500 signatures.

Daniel Marshall started the change.org petition because he felt that joining Caricom as a full member could have a significant impact on the island.

The petition — which had surpassed 125 signatures roughly four hours after it was first published on Monday morning — also called for the release of more details on the implications of full membership.

In a letter to The Royal Gazette, Mr Marshall said that joining Caricom would not be a “minor administrative decision” but a major national issue that could have widespread impact on the island.”

He wrote: “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.”

He said many Bermudians have legitimate concerns about full Caricom membership, including questions about the island’s unique economic position.

They include concerns about 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.

The Government announced in the November 2023 Throne Speech that it would seek full membership of Caricom, and Britain issued an entrustment letter allowing negotiations for full membership to begin the following month.

In March, the Government released The Story of Us: Green Paper on Bermuda’s Application for Full Membership in the Caribbean Community, which said a shift to full membership represented “a deliberate move to create a stronger, more resilient future for all Bermudians”.

While there have been calls for a petition on the subject, David Burt, the Premier, has maintained that the decision would be made by “the people’s elected representatives” in the House of Assembly.

Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, has said that the Government would produce a White Paper laying out “the Government’s settled position”, including a legal review of the reservations Bermuda intends to put forward for the treaty.

She told the House of Assembly recently that feedback from the public would be reviewed, as well as input from the Legal Affairs Committee and Britain, ahead of the White Paper.