The Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa N. H. Lightbourne, JP, MP, hosted a public town hall last evening as part of the Government of Bermuda's ongoing consultation on the Green Paper proposing Bermuda's full membership in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
More than 80 members of the public gathered at St. Paul's Centennial Church Hall for a structured panel discussion on what full CARICOM membership could mean for Bermuda's future.
Panellists included Minister Lightbourne, MP Chris Famous, and former Attorney General and legal practitioner Phil Perinchief. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Dana Selassie.
The town hall provided an open forum for attendees to ask questions, raise concerns, and share feedback directly with the Minister and technical officers from the Ministry.
The evening's discussion drew on key content from the Green Paper, including what would remain unchanged under full membership, the potential opportunities available to Bermuda, and how public input will inform future Government considerations.
Participants received clear assurances on sovereignty and policy control. Bermuda would retain full authority over its immigration policies under full CARICOM membership, with no automatic right for CARICOM nationals to live or work in Bermuda. The work permit system and Bermuda's financial services regulatory framework would remain fully protected.
The panel also outlined the potential benefits of full membership: access to regional food security initiatives, stronger supply chain coordination, regional health cooperation, disaster preparedness through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and greater representation in international negotiations where Bermuda currently has no formal seat.
The Green Paper is a consultation document. Its purpose is to invite Bermudians to weigh whether moving from Associate to Full CARICOM Membership could better position the island to address shared regional challenges, including rising food costs, workforce pressures, and climate and disaster vulnerability.
Minister Lightbourne said, "This process is about listening. Our responsibility as a Government is to ensure Bermudians have clear, factual information and a genuine opportunity to share their views, whether they support full CARICOM membership, have concerns about it, or remain undecided.
"Last evening's discussion reflected the full range of perspectives in our community, and that diversity of opinion is both healthy and necessary. Full membership is not about giving anything up or rushing toward a conclusion. It is about carefully and responsibly considering whether having a vote and a voice at regional decision-making tables better serves Bermuda's long-term interests. This Green Paper process exists so that the people of Bermuda can help shape what comes next."
The Minister thanked all attendees for their participation and encouraged continued engagement throughout the consultation period. Bermudians are invited to read the Green Paper, attend upcoming town hall meetings, complete the public survey, and submit questions and feedback online.
Further information on the consultation process is available at TogetherForCaricom.gov.bm.