Videos: OBA Call For Bill To Be Withdrawn
The OBA has released four online videos addressing the recently tabled Immigration Bill, with Senator Andrew Simons, Senator Nick Kempe and MP Susan Jackson all calling for Home Affairs Minister Walton Brown to withdraw the Bill.
Senator Andrew Simons said, "Minister Walton Brown has tabled an Immigration Bill in the House of Assembly. That Bill removes all Human Rights Act protections from the immigration process. Let's think about what's going on for a moment.
"Immigration is complicated everywhere. If you look at American politics, there's a lot of debate about immigration. We see the same dynamic in the U.K., we see the same dynamic in Europe.
Senator Andrew Simons #1
"Like health care, immigration is a difficult subject to grapple with. For that reason, it's important to get any policy, any legislation right, because when you get it wrong, it can do real harms to people.
"Walton's bill is very crude. It simply says that the Human Rights Act has no primacy over the immigration legislation. There are various reasons why that is a very clumsy approach.
"The first is that our Constitution already provides both some protections for human rights in the immigration process, but, more importantly, it gives the Government power to control its borders.
"The Bill, as it is currently drafted, has none of that nuance. It's not clear to me what problem Minister Walton Brown is trying to solve that is not already addressed by the Constitution.
"It's also clear that the Bill, in its current form, if passed, would do immediate harm to a number of people living and working in Bermuda. I think many of us are aware in the U.S. of this category of young people that are called the Dreamers, folks who came to America when they were young.
"They've gone to school in America, they've gotten college degrees, or they've joined the Army, and there was a process by which they could stay. Now, that is in flux. This legislation is ever more draconian than that.
"In short, it's poorly conceived and, as you've seen from many corners of society, there's been no meaningful consultation on this subject yet. We don't throw that term around just because the other side talks a lot about consultation. For policy that's hard, it genuinely takes time to get right. This legislation is really unworkable in its current form.
"So, let me make a few suggestions. The first suggestion is to withdraw it in its current form. The second suggestion is to engage in good faith in meaningful consultation about what this legislation is trying to achieve, and how any negative side effects can be mitigated.
"You will know that there has already been a bipartisan working group on immigration that's due to provide a report either at the end of October or in November. After tabling this Bill, the Minister Walton Brown very quickly cobbled together another group to discuss immigration. So, I'm not quite sure what's going on there.
"If we're going to move forward with immigration changes, let's get this right. Now, I look forward to additional feedback on this subject, but, in the meantime, I think it's clear that we all send a message that this subject shouldn't just be rushed ahead."
Senator Nick Kempe
Senator Nick Kempe said, "Minister Brown, your immigration amendments that you tabled recently in the House completely undermine the Human Rights Act protections from the immigration process.
"There was no good faith consultation with the Human Rights Commission. For so long, you claimed to be a defender of human rights and someone who fought against discrimination, these actions prove the exact opposite. Remove the Bill."
MP Susan Jackson
MP Susan Jackson said, "Minister Brown, in Opposition, you claimed to fundamentally oppose discrimination. Your Immigration Bill, it removes the Human Rights' Act protections from the immigration process. Withdraw the amendments."
Senator Andrew Simons said, "Minister Walton Brown, your Immigration Bill removes all Human Rights Act protections from the immigration process. In Opposition, you said that you cared about human rights. Now is your chance to prove it, withdraw your bill."
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Category: All, News, Politics, Videos
Breathe says:
OBA in government: "moving fast is essential to save Bermuda…"
OBA in Opposition: "slow down and think it through…"
Until they realize they don't have a monopoly on the mandate to govern all the videos in the world won't resurrect them. The failure to give immigration laws primacy in the UK has led to convicted terrorists claiming a 'right to family life' when the UK tries to deport them. With a proper means by which to gain citizenship in Bermuda, no-one will need to fall back on human rights claims when they fail to meet the existing and admittedly lacking criteria. This is part of the solution not the only piece as the OBA would have you believe.
No consultation necessary says:
PLP in Opposition: 'we need comprehensive immigration reform based on robust consultation, collaboration and bipartisanship.'
PLP in Government: 'we are in power and therefore we don't need robust consultation, collaboration and bipartisanship on immigration changes.'
PLP = OBA
#Puttingourchildrenfirst says:
NO NO NO NO NO NO
PLEASE PUT THIS BILL INTO LAW PLP
The OBAUbp videos are very painful to watch….they seem out of reach…
The people voted for change and to put Bermudians first
….the PLP must continue on for the people….
It was this very law that people march, sang and protested around the house of parliament…. So YES PLP GO FORWARD…..
VOTE THIS BILL INTO LAW PLP
Attitude Of Gratitude says:
Is that You Betty?
really says:
Yes it is Betty and another bunch of names. PLP propaganda window….
Onion says:
Plp in opposition: "slow down. Public consultation. Transparency. Non discrimination."
Plp in govt: "hurry up. No need for public consultation or transparency. Who cares about discrimination"
Walter Brown is no more than Michael Fahey PLP style lets surround Parliament
poppycrock says:
The PLP won a landslide victory with the slogan
Bermudians First.
All I read and comprehend in Minister Brown's statement is just that, Bermudians first?
Look at the videos carefully and recall they are the Bermudians who for the last 5 years gave away our airport to Canadians, reversed the law on a Black business man regarding the city park deal and the previous ministers Fahy and Pamplin never placed Bermudians first.
Double S says:
" reversed the law on a Black business man regarding the city park deal and the previous ministers Fahy and Pamplin never placed Bermudians first."
Lies. That 'black business man' was granted the rights to degvelop Par-La-Ville parking lot and the OBA allowed the CoH to put a guratee to ensure it got off the ground. In return that 'black business man' allegedly had $18mn of finance monies wired to his personal account and then off to Gibraltar. A s result we, the people, lost a parking lot to the Mexican financiers.
If you mean tot refer to the harbor front deal, I note that you conveniently left out the fact that the RFP issued by the previous CoH administration was labelled a complete farce by the black female Ombudsman (her color is mentioned as it appears that gives it more credence to you). And given what that 'black business man' did with the Par-La-Ville development, I would say that was a pretty smart decision.
But I know, color matters and not facts to PLPers.
Sickofantz says:
I am sure that the PLP are doing everything they can to reinstate that businessman with both the hotel deal and the waterfront development.
Ringmaster says:
By detaining and threatening deportation of the CEO of one of the largest IB companies on the Island? I think not.
Look out. The PLP are out to destroy Bermuda.
Bermudians1st says:
First in the unemployment line
First in the financial assistance line
Athena says:
God forbid this legislation should be passed.
It would allow a ministry to discriminate as to disability, race, ethnicity, colour, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, family status and even political opinion and status.
But, that is the point isn't it to over rule human rights?
watching says:
There is no intent to cause any harm to anyone with the passage of this bill. The intent of the bill is to protect Bermudians as without this bill, thousands of non-Bermudians could be eligible to work in Bermuda without a work permit. How can any right thinking Bermudian agree with this?
Where was Susan Jackson during the OBA Pathways to Status debacle? where does she stand on Bermudian rights?
What are Andrew Simons and Nick Kempe's records on standing up for the rights of Bermudians?
The intent doesn't need to be there. This law will have unintended consequences for many. But unfortunately the selfishness of others prevents them from a) recognising it and b) caring.
Explain how watering down human rights for one group of people boosts the rights of another group?
Sorry, I know you are PLP through and through, but this Bill, which strips out human rights, does not reflect well on Bermuda. It is a step backwards.
But I am smart enough to realise that political affinities will prevent many from seeing the other side of the argument.
This bill is a must…
OBA are on the back bench due to their failure to put Bermudians first
….looks like they are still clueless according to the videos…
Move forward PLP…
PUT BERMUDIANS FIRST NOW….
TheProles says:
How ironic that PLP were voted in because people felt discrimitated against. And here we are… now the shoe is on the other foot and we will abuse the same power we battled before.
Politricks says:
"thousands of non-Bermudians could be eligible to work in Bermuda without a work permit. How can any right thinking Bermudian agree with this?"
That is a lie. If it was the truth then why haven't more non-Bermudians taken up this 'eligibility.'
Usually, when one relies on 'mistruths' to solidify their argument/position it is because that argument/position is shaky at best.
Sorry Sir says:
My opinion is that we shouldn't put any law above the Human Rights Act, but instead include clauses in the human rights act that strengthens other acts. To put any law above the human rights act is a dangerous game.
But that's just my opinion. Put clauses in the human rights act to strengthen the immigration act.
The human rights act being above the immigration act is the only reason Tweed is still here. Remember that.
Jus' Wonderin' says:
" thousands of non-Bermudians could be eligible to work in Bermuda without a work permit. "
not true at all lmfao….
nerema says:
"….without this bill, thousands of non-Bermudians could be eligible to work in Bermuda without a work permit."
Is that like when Walton Brown said that 6,000 PRC's would get status?
Some people are trying to have a sensible conversation, and you just want to throw around ridiculous numbers.
The problem is that this bill gives the minister supreme unchecked power to discriminate. This goea for any future minister of any future government. Under the bill, it would be possible for bermudians to be discriminated against. Think about that. Any right thinking bermudian should oppose it for that reason alone!
Simply a lie.
The private members bill (Flip Flop's) is designed to restrict the rights of those Bermudians who are gay to be able to marry.
This one is an obvious attempt to by-pass the ruling of the courts that partners of gays can come to Bermuda to work.
Thing is, there will be massive unintended consequences of what is being proposed. The PLP are the ones who are actually responsible for all those expats getting PRCs and status in recent years…you do realise that don't you? Bad drafting and poorly thought out legislation backfired before and it will do so again. Just you wait and see.
For 5 years you did what the F!@# you wanted to do without consulting, despite protests and pleading from the P.L.P. and the PEOPLE.
Now suck it up for five years.
Shame says:
You sir are the epitome of ignorance.
wahoo says:
This is the same person who is happy to be kept in the dark about her unions financial situation and could not care less about travel expenditures of ministers or alleged self dealing in numerous government projects between 2007 and 2012…..
Interpretation: if they did it so can we.
Thats what my five yr old says. Great argument. So proud of bermuda.
Hypocrisy at its finest.
Following that logic, you wont have any problem with any future non-plp government doing whatever they want right?
therock says:
BS, when all you have to resort to is lies, you have no argument. You're nothing but a lying racist.
Thankfully though, everyone who sees your posts know that you're just a racist a**hole.
Ever consider the high road? The PLP has their second opportunity to make the operation of government more inclusive and fair, as they've always wanted when in opposition.
Turning the table and sticking to the old ways of governing didn't turn out so well last time around.
Leading is different from just being in power. PLP, please lead Bermuda to be more united at your term's end. You can't lose by taking the high road!
inna says:
So you're fine to get discriminated against as long as it is the PLP doing it to you??
Same goes for imminent increase in the govt debt ceiling to fund all these increases in budgets… all fine and good as long as it is the PLP doing it?
Bermuda has gotten the government that we deserve!! I hope you have your yankee dollars saved up!!!
Happy says:
The problem is this is far-reaching and for some reason you seem ok with that. Just to remind you foreign-born Bermudian kids HAVE to apply for status. That means any kids born while their parents were overseas studying or working as well as kids who were born overseas due to worries over medical complications.
Are you alright with someone being able to deny a child of a Bermudian status because for sake of example they were born out of wedlock? This change would allow for this to happen.
bdaboy says:
"Are you alright with someone being able to deny a child of a Bermudian status because for sake of example they were born out of wedlock? "
There goes more than half the population. LOL
Stateside Bermudian says:
Ha ha! So true, bdaboy. And many don't even know who their biological fathers really are.
Quite true.
puzzled says:
TROLL.
Toodle-oo says:
Ever heard the term 'click bait' ?
Anbu says:
Remember u said that muppet. Never ever forget that it will be your own sticking it to you this time. No evil devil to blame anymore. Enjoy.
"How can any right thinking Bermudian agree with this?"
When will Tweed be leaving?
Its fascinating how afraid you all are of this preacher. So unaccustomed to fearless truth that your solution is to get him out of the country. History repeating itself.
He earned his strips by helping to fight for rights for Bermudians, just like Dr. E.F. Gordon and de rest of those who graced our beautiful island for a better life, and in exchange they sacrificed for us who are silent in adversity, but benefit from the progress and privilege that was fought for us, but we take it for GRANTED.
Unlike those who graced our ilasnd for a better life, and try to make it harder for Bermudians.
What rights has he stuck up for? Right to an airport? Pleasseeee…
He just holds the same disdain for some people that you do, hence you and others support for him being able to stay whilst others are not.
So if Tweed gets it den all the people here for 40+ years should receive status that already don't…agreed?
cpm says:
Ok for EF Gordon to come from Trinidad and get status?
Yup, he earned it by fighting for the rights of Black Bermudians under a racist Government
Adrianne says:
This bill will cripple Bermuda and its people some people DONT look outside of the box
I don't recall any of these three asking Michael fahy or Michael Dunkley to slow down and consult on anything.
I don't recall you saying they didn't need to either prior to July 18 2017.
See how that works?
And yet the bill they proposed was withdrawn.
So we should condone the same behaviour by this govt then? I agree it is hypocritical but that doesnt make what the plp is doing right.
Hurricane says:
Is the best you can do to ask that a bill be withdrawn, OBA? Weak to say the least
What you want them to do? Break the law by blocking Parliament?
Wake up Bie says:
The OBA is a weak party and will never have a protest. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
Well to borrow from ya mate, Onion Juice:
Walton is going to do what the F!@# he wants to do without consulting!
Yup and get over it, we put up with Fahy.
So now its ya turn.
Agreed. You and all us bermudians should be asking for it to be withdrawn. Great point.
Keepin it Real says:
Immigration is NOT a Human Right!
no one has said that. missing the point. try again.
Broader Community Involvement says:
I am curiosu as to why the Government is not willing to slow down on this and engage the broader community in discussion and consultation.
We witnessed how the Gvt when in Opposition reacted to proposed changes to law when broader consultation didn't occur.
What makes this any different?
Isn't this hypocritical?
because the legislation proposed by the then OBA government was anti Bermudian and against the interests of Bermudians, and proposed by a government with a 16 vote mandate.
This legislation is proposed by a PLP government that is protecting the interests of Bermudians and was voted in overwhelmingly!
and yet it will harm Bermudians the most. thanks for that. just like trump voters, you voted against your own interests.
lol…don't cry when you can't afford to go to atlanta for shopping.
Hypocritical is how the same "People" who elected the PLP in will be the ones who will suffer the most when farming and fishing are our #2 and #3 pillars of the economy. Tourism will suffer too, but IB will slowly pull out from under our noses.. and they wont be waving goodbye at the airport.
Start saving up them greenbacks!!!
Always sigh when I read suggestions that we could ever fall back on farming and fishing. In case no-one's noticed all the land has been covered with condos and tarmac and there's no fish left out there , except for a blossoming population of lion fish .
Our farming and fishing sustainability is and has been for a long time the ability to earn US $ and the weekly arrival of the Somers Isles and the Oleander.
yes, that's all it is….the plp are amateurs, they're drunk on power, low on intelligence and high on bigotry.
Um taking my bat and ball and going home.
Waaaaaaahhhhh
Yes, and meanwhile the salaries of these government officials are guaranteed, while the common man and woman live in economic uncertainty.
Theres an easy way to level the field.
Stand for Truth says:
These individuals are no longer in power for a reason. They do not care about Bermudians.
Also where was this fake organization known as the "Human Rights" Commission when the masses where protesting the UBP/OBA when they were implementing their unjust and unequal policies. This fake organization did not say a mumbling word.
We have been set free from their shackles, we no longer are listening to you in the same way you did not listen to us. So long bye bye.
Name one 'unjust and unequal' policy introduced by the OBA that infringed upon the human rights of Bermudians that would've mandated the HRC to intervene. Just one. I dare you.
You lot don't even realise hat your sustained attacks on the HRC and human rights in general is a sign of fascism, bigotry and hatred.
Alternative says:
An alternative would be to amend the Human Rights Act as it already gives preference to Bermudians in section 5 (4) and other preferences in sections 6 (9) and 28 (c). Let's try to have a helpful debate and workable solution that benefits us all.
It may be that Walton's good at poker. He may be looking for less.
I also wouldn't discount the possibility that he is hoping the Governor will intervene.
surrogatesobapaid says:
Seems like the paid OBA bloggers are back on the payroll
ALL 12 of them to fill 12 seats.
There was no consultation when the one term OBA government attempted to pass it's pathway to status bill which was only stopped as a result of mass protest by the people of Bermuda. There no voices of protest when OBA politicians suggested that Bermudians had no claim to be called Bermudians and our birth in this country was nothing more than a accident. Now this same element has come running to support their political base. yes the non-Bermudian is for the most part their political support base and that is why they were voted out to became a one term government for it's anti-Bermudian policies.
Zevon says:
The bill was not passed you effin moron.
So Walton Brown has provided consultation and input? Alvin, you have no idea what is about to happen, but your children and grandchildren will suffer because of what the PLP have put in place and are implementing at the work permit level. Bermudians first sounds great, but if you know how Bermuda's economy works you would see this is a pure political scam. And Bermudians will suffer the most.
Eyes wide open says:
I feel the pain coming from the 12 seat oba/UBP circus
Fisherman says:
I have a fishy feeling two somebodys are pressing this foward the adopted tweed n his mate e..urt brown.. Premier Burt has to be watchful of people or he will be ousted.
Gap says:
Don't worry, de brilliance of Burt be watchin' out for all dat der and they can't oust us if they don't know where we are.
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