Bermuda Faces Calls for Referendum on Full CARICOM Membership

Bermuda’s push for full CARICOM membership faces growing opposition, with the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) calling for a public referendum before any decision.

Shadow Minister Dwayne Robinson stressed the need for transparency on costs, immigration, and constitutional constraints, noting that as a British Overseas Territory, Bermuda would lack full voting autonomy. He argued that current associate status better suits the island’s unique economic and labor realities.

Home Affairs Minister Alexa Lightbourne countered that a consultation period has closed and that a forthcoming White Paper will address all public concerns. She framed the debate as a strategic choice between isolation and regional resilience, while acknowledging that most Bermudians prioritize housing, healthcare, and living costs.

The government has yet to release a definitive cost-benefit analysis. Both sides agree on preserving Caribbean cultural ties but diverge on whether full membership serves Bermuda’s practical interests.