Premier attends Caricom meeting in Barbados
David Burt is participating in a meeting with Caribbean region leaders to discuss common matters such as food security, digital resilience and climate change.
The Premier will be joined by Christopher Famous, a Progressive Labour Party MP, at the Caricom event, which is chaired by Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados.
There will also be talks about Bermuda gaining full Caricom membership, external relations and the Caricom single market and economy — an arrangement among the 14 member states — and one dependency — to create a single economic system in the region.
The 48th Regular Meeting of Caricom Heads of Government is taking place in Barbados from February 19 to 21.
Mr Burt said the meeting presented an opportunity to address regional issues and to demonstrate areas in which “Bermuda’s leadership can be modelled by our Caricom partners”.
He said: “I expect there will be a discussion regarding the new US administration and the impact of global tariffs on the cost of imports.
“It is important that Bermuda is represented on this international stage as we learn and share our common experiences in navigating the global challenges impacting us all.”
The Cabinet Office confirmed that new ministers are to be sworn in on February 25.
Former Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs, Walter Roban, and former Minister of Public Works, Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, both announced their retirements from politics well before the election.
Michael Weeks is serving as the Acting Minister of Public Works and Kim Wilson is the Acting Minister of Home Affairs.
The Government announced in its 2023 Throne Speech that it would begin a consultation process leading to full membership in Caricom.
Jarion Richardson, the Leader of the Opposition, said last March that the Government should consult with the public about the issue.
Sir John Swan, a former premier, called for a referendum over the plan, saying full membership could threaten Bermuda’s relationship with the United States and Britain.
He also expressed concerns about the free movement of Caricom member state citizens and how that may affect Bermudian businesses.
Mr Burt added today: “At the polls on Tuesday, some voters asked about Bermuda’s relationship with Caricom and ongoing discussions regarding full membership.
“I would like to reiterate that though the Government is committed to seeking deeper ties with Caricom, similar to other Caricom countries, there is no desire for Bermuda to adopt freedom of movement for Caricom nationals.
“Nonetheless, the Government’s election platform committed to expanding regional trade in an effort to source more affordable food imports.
“I look forward to providing an update on the discussions with Caricom upon my return.”
Mr Burt is to return to Bermuda on Saturday. During his absence, Kim Wilson is Acting Premier and Minister of Finance.
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