Dear Sir,

Here is my comprehensive immigration reform jump-start: “Pathway 28”.

One needs 28 points to qualify for status. One earns one point per year in Bermuda, but birth, formative years in Bermuda, other Bermudian familial connections and a 20-year accumulation all accelerate the process.

Born in Bermuda, automatic four points and points at a rate of 1.33 per year up to the age of 18; thus 28 points upon adulthood for those born in Bermuda and those who lived here until 18.

A rate of 1.33 points per year applies to all youth born here or not. Please note that Bermuda youth are home-grown, know the island as home and are critical to the preservation of island culture.

Any individual in Bermuda for 20 years begins to accrue at the 1.33 rate; thus 26 years required. However, points to be granted for strong familial Bermuda connections. Finally, I believe that Bermudian spouses should require 12 years, not the existing eight. This is a suggestion for fairness and compromise. We should not let this important issue divide us, but instead galvanise us as the warm welcoming people we are known to be.

SRF