Shadow Immigration and External Affairs Minister Walton Brown has proposed the creation of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the historic theft of property from Bermudians.

During Friday’s sitting of the House of Assembly, Mr Brown gave notice that next week, he will put forward a motion that the House take note of “the historic losses in Bermuda of citizens’ property through theft of property, dispossession of property and adverse possession claims” and that the House should call on the Governor to establish a Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1935.

The motion stated that the Commission would look into all such claims of property theft, determine the viability of the claims, and make recommendations for any victims to receive compensation.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette about the motion, Mr Brown said: “Many families have had their land taken from them, particularly in the 1950s, 60s and 1970s, through a series of illicit practices by a cabal of lawyers, real estate agents and banks.

“These victims did not pursue their claims to recover this land because they were either fearful because there were strong political ties among this cabal, did not have money to pursue their just claims or had their quest for justice halted by legalism. I will cite a number of cases during the debate of families who are victims of this.

“This is an issue which transcends party politics and given the lack of justice which prevails around this, it is my hope a large majority of MPs will support this motion to call on the governor to establish this commission.”