No moves will be made by the Progressive Labour Party government that would risk the ability of Bermudians to travel to the United States, the PLP insisted today.

The party said that it recognises the island’s “longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship” with the US and that the administration would not pursue any course of action that jeopardises that connection.

A statement from the Government later echoed the comments and said that it remained committed to the relationship with the US and to “ensuring that it endures”.

The comments came after the US Consulate General moved to clarify that visa-free travel to America is governed solely by US policy, and is not part of a bilateral agreement with Bermuda or Britain

A statement affirmed travel privileges for Bermudian passport holders entering the US — in the wake of what the consulate called “recent questions from the public regarding Bermudians’ visa-free travel to the United States and what might impact that status”.

The US Consulate statement made no explicit reference to moving from associate to full Caricom membership but the One Bermuda Alliance and others have repeatedly queried the possible immigration ramifications for travellers to the island’s closest neighbour if Bermuda cemented deeper involvement with the Caribbean Community.

“Currently, only nationals of Canada and Bermuda enjoy this visa-free travel privilege,” the US Consulate said this week, adding: “As circumstances evolve in Bermuda and countries around the world, US policy decisions on visa requirements can be revised.”

The PLP said today: “We are pleased that the statement confirmed that there is no change to the visa-free travel arrangements currently enjoyed by Bermudian passport holders.

“Nor has the United States confirmed that full membership of Caricom will cause those arrangements to change.”

The party added: “Full membership is being explored on Bermuda’s terms, with appropriate protections for our borders, labour market and immigration system.

“Our interest in Caricom is rooted in the new opportunities that trade and deeper regional co-operation could create for Bermuda.

“We will not be pressured into defending the status quo when viable solutions may exist to pressing challenges such as the cost of living, food security, access to goods and services, healthcare co-operation and economic resilience.

“Consultation remains ongoing. The Government’s forthcoming White Paper will provide Bermudians with the facts needed to assess the potential benefits, obligations and safeguards.”

Dwayne Robinson, the Shadow Minister of Home and Community Affairs, said the One Bermuda Alliance has “repeatedly” asked the PLP for assurances that full Caricom membership will not negatively impact Bermudians’ ability to travel to the US without a visa.

He explained: “These questions are not anti-Caribbean or fear-mongering. It is out of protection of a very beneficial privilege granted to only Bermuda and Canada.

“This allows smoother travel for Bermudians and also a competitive economic advantage over our competitors.

“It is clear that the PLP is attempting to guarantee something they have no power over. They also cannot provide any concrete guarantee that talks have happened to ensure the benefit of visa-free travel remains — that is the OBA's concern.”

The PLP said that responsibility for the island’s external affairs rests with Britain.

It added: “The UK Government has been supportive and responsive as Bermuda explores opportunities that could deliver meaningful economic benefits for our people.

“We will continue to pursue every responsible opportunity to make life better and more affordable for the people of Bermuda.”

David Burt, the Premier, said in June that there was no expected impact on travel for Bermudians as a result of full Caricom membership.

On July 3, the Government released a statement that said: “For the public record, there is no basis for the suggestion that Caricom membership would affect Bermuda’s visa-free travel to the United States or United States customs pre-clearance.

“Bermuda’s visa-free access to the United States operates under bilateral arrangements between the United Kingdom and the United States Government.

“United States customs pre-clearance operates under a separate bilateral framework, determined by the United States Government.

“Caricom plays no role in either arrangement.”

The US Consulate said this week: “Visa-free travel for Bermudians to the United States is governed by current US policy rather than a bilateral agreement with Bermuda or the United Kingdom.”

A government spokeswoman today welcomed the statement from the US about visa-free travel for Bermudians and added: “This unique privilege is highly valued and taken with the longstanding pre-clearance agreement speaks to the strong relationship between Bermuda and our nearest neighbour, the United States.

“The Government of Bermuda remains committed to that relationship and to ensuring that it endures.

“The consulate has confirmed that Bermudians travelling on valid Bermudian passports generally continue to be admitted to the United States without a non-immigrant visa, subject to the usual eligibility requirements.

“There has been no change to those arrangements.

“The Government’s earlier reference to a ‘bilateral arrangement’ is more reflective of the wider diplomatic relationship between the Unites States and Bermuda, which as an Overseas Territory involves the UK Government’s responsibility for external affairs.

“The Government of Bermuda fully recognises and respects the United States’ policy on visa requirements for foreign nationals seeking to travel to the United States.”

• UPDATE: this article has been updated with comments from Mr Robinson