Last month (Bermuda deserves process, not premature conclusions —The Royal Gazette, February 9), I wrote that Bermuda deserves process, not premature conclusions when it comes to the question of full Caricom membership. I argued then that such a consequential decision should follow a clear democratic path; in particular, a Green Paper to inform the public and encourage debate, a White Paper outlining the Government’s final position, and ultimately the opportunity for Bermudians to have their say by way of a referendum.

After consistent pushing and cajoling, the Government has finally tabled its “Green Paper”. Now that it has arrived, the question is whether it truly fulfils the purpose of a Green Paper. As I have advised before, and it is worth repeating, traditionally a Green Paper is a discussion document. It lays out the arguments for and against a policy direction, examines the implications and invites informed public debate before the Government decides on its course. A White Paper, by contrast, sets out a Government’s settled policy.

This newspaper has come quickly out of the starting gates, offering its critique at warp speed. However, I concur that the difficulty with the “Green Paper” is that it reads far closer to a White Paper than a Green Paper, but ends up being neither.

Why do I say that? Rather than presenting a balanced assessment of the potential advantages and disadvantages of full Caricom membership for Bermuda, the paper makes a definitive argument in favour of joining. It outlines possible benefits in detail while treating potential concerns largely as issues to be negotiated rather than questions that might fundamentally shape the final decision. Even the total potential costs have yet to be revealed. We know, for example, a membership fee is simply the beginning.

Questions like this matter because the decision under consideration is not a minor policy adjustment. Full membership of an international organisation carries legal, economic and political implications that could affect Bermuda for decades to come. A question of this magnitude deserves the broadest and most transparent debate possible. It also requires a referendum.

There are credible arguments on both sides. Advocates of full membership point to the potential benefits of deeper regional engagement. Caricom can potentially provide a platform for collaboration among Caribbean states on issues ranging from economic development to climate resilience and trade. Membership could offer Bermuda a voice in regional decision-making and potentially expand economic partnerships across the Caribbean. This is the minister’s main thrust after historical and emotional ties.

Fortuitously, I wrote in February the following: “Decisions of this magnitude should never be driven by emotion, nostalgia or political symbolism alone. Our shared Caribbean heritage and regional relationships are important, and they should be acknowledged with respect.

“But emotional ties cannot be a substitute for rigorous analysis. The question before us is not who we feel connected to, but what is genuinely in the best interest of Bermuda economically, socially and constitutionally now and for future generations.

“We owe it to young Bermudians, in particular, not to frame this debate as an emotional litmus test of identity, but as a serious policy choice with real consequences for jobs, opportunity and economic stability.”

The fact is that legitimate questions exist about how full membership would interact with Bermuda’s unique circumstances. Bermuda’s economy is built on international business and reinsurance operating within a globally recognised regulatory framework. We also maintain longstanding relationships with Britain, the United States, Canada and, yes, the Caribbean. The question that must be explored openly is whether full Caricom membership would enhance or limit our strategic flexibility.

The Green Paper does not fully engage with that question; instead it assumes that deeper integration would naturally strengthen Bermuda’s position. That may well prove to be true, but it is not self-evident, and the public deserves a fuller exploration of the potential trade-offs.

None of this is to say that Bermuda should reject the possibility of full Caricom membership. Bermuda has deep historical, cultural and familial ties with the Caribbean, and co-operation with our regional neighbours has long been part of the island’s economic and diplomatic landscape. Bermudians need a debate grounded in facts rather than assumptions. The public should understand the economic implications, the constitutional considerations, the costs and benefits and the potential risks alongside the opportunities.

If this process is to succeed, the consultation must be genuine and the discussion must be balanced. All of us should feel confident that our concerns are being heard and that the Government remains open to the possibility that the conclusion may differ from the starting assumption. The issue is too important to be reduced to a one-sided argument.

It is again worth reminding everyone of the UK Letter of Entrustment, which says Bermuda would have to abstain on matters that have a direct bearing on external relations, defence or security, and also dissociate itself from any statement made by Caricom on such matters, if it becomes a full member of the regional bloc. As I have said before, this is a major point, given the uncertainty of world events involving the United States, our largest trading partner, as is the requirement for Britain to give prior approval to the signing of any agreement by Bermuda in regard to Caricom.

So, while the Green Paper falls short on what it should do, I urge all of us to engage in the “process” despite the obvious bias in the “Green Paper”. Historical ties and emotional bonds are important, but decisions of this magnitude should not be based on emotion alone. The one question I have for all of us is what the benefits will be for Bermudians? That must be the one thread throughout the debate. If the pros outweigh the cons, then great. If they do not, then why join?

The One Bermuda Alliance will opine in detail. Stay tuned. Remember, assumptions make an ass out of you and me.

• Michael Fahy is the Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, Municipalities and Housing and MP for Pembroke South West