Bermuda's new visa requirements for Jamaicans has ignited concern that the policy may place undue stress on law-abiding travellers.

“We are still not in agreement with the visa imposition but what's done is done and we endeavour to carry on with our heads lifted here, proud to be Jamaican and continue to do what we came here to do and hopefully at the end of all this the Government can achieve what it is they are trying to achieve,” said Marlene Flynn-Symons, secretary of the Jamaica Association.

At a standing-room only forum at the Bermuda Industrial Union to discuss the policy on Thursday night, Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister was told in no uncertain terms that the Jamaica Association continue to view the visa policy with “great concern”, according to Mrs. Flynn-Symons.

Besides Minister Lister, the meeting which lasted more than two hours, was attended by his Permanent Secretary Robert Horton, Chief Immigration Officer Martin Brewer, his assistant Rozy Azhar, Registrar General Marlene Christopher, Honorary Jamaican Government representative Winston Laylor, the executive of the Jamaica Association and over 150 people.

Association president Ralston Wright “made it clear that he stood by his statement that the executive body has made it quite clear view the visa regime with great concern”, said Mrs. Flynn-Symons, who moderated the meeting.

And she reiterated the Jamaica Association's concern that law abiding Jamaica nationals will not face undue pressure in acquiring the visa.

The meeting was reminded of the contributions Jamaicans have made to the development of Bermuda.

“Mr. Lister mentioned constantly in his report his duty to protect the shores of Bermuda. I was reminding him that we have contributed significantly to the building of these very shores.”

She said a range of views were expressed, and cautioned that they were not necessarily views held by the Association.

“Overall the meeting was very cordial and the purpose and the objectives were met in that we were able to get information and clarification regarding the documentation required for this newly imposed visa on Jamaica nationals.”

Questions addressed by the Minister and his technical staff included the cost of the visa (JA$2,900 - US$50), turnaround time to receive the visa (five days) and how the visa application process worked. After a preliminary check, UK authorities send the application to Bermuda which carries out their investigation into the host of the would-be traveller, the audience was told.

And Jamaican students abroad, and holders of multiple visas for Britain, Canada and the United States, would still be required to obtain a visa to visit relatives here. Questions also came up about the impact of the visa requirement on work permit holders and it was clarified that work permit holders did not require visas to return to Bermuda.

Mr. Lister agreed to provide work permit holders with documentation showing that they did not need a visa.

And the Minister said that Jamaican nationals on a cruise which included Bermuda should be advised by their travel agents of the visa requirement.

“The minister listened keenly to our concerns and to how we felt in particular to the fact that Jamaica is listed among 16 other countries. When we look at that list we were very much unappreciative of the policy... He's saying that it was with much reluctance that he had to put Jamaica on this list,” said Mrs Flynn-Symons.

Mr. Lister assured the audience that other options were pursued before making the decision.

“Right now we continue to be law abiding citizens and follow the rules in the meantime we are asking that anything they can do to alleviate the stress that they do so.”

The Minister was also asked to consider allowing relatives of people working here longer than three weeks to stay on the Island.

Complaints were also made about shoddy treatment of Jamaicans at the airport, she said. And one person in the audience asked the Minister to “treat people as people” regardless of where they are from.

And concerns were expressed about Immigration Department scrutinising marriage plans to prevent marriages of convenience.

“I cautioned the Immigration Department to be careful and make sure the tips they have are really sound, because marriage is a holy sacrament.”