Alex Scott has urged the Bermuda Government to rethink its decision on the Reverend Nicholas Tweed work permit — pointing to parallels with the riots of 1977.

Mr Scott, the Premier under the Progressive Labour Party from 2003 to 2006, said rising tensions mirror those identified by the Pitt Report, which he helped compile after the disturbances which rocked the island 40 years ago.

He called for Michael Dunkley, the Premier, to open talks with the Bishop of the AME Church, who he understands will be in Bermuda soon, and for home affairs minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin to use her discretionary powers to revisit the matter.

Ms Gordon-Pamplin has said Mr Tweed’s work permit renewal at St Paul AME Church was turned down because it was incomplete and contained inaccuracies. She has said she is unable to give further details without permission from the AME Church or Mr Tweed. St Paul AME Church has repeatedly refused to answer questions about its application, and it has not been possible to speak with Mr Tweed.

The work permit refusal has led to a furious backlash from St Paul AME Church, as well as Bermuda Industrial Union president Chris Furbert, and the People’s Campaign, of which Mr Tweed is a leading member.

Mr Scott said in his statement: “I am moved to express publicly my deep concern at the recent decision of the Minister of Immigration and Home Affairs to not renew the work application of the Reverend Nicholas Tweed.

“Over the many years of my public service I have worn several hats; however, on this occasion my experience as a member of The Royal Commission Report Into The 1977 Disturbances motivates me to make the following observation, which I hope will assist those who are wrestling with this all important and controversial issue.”

Mr Scott noted the report identified Bermuda’s dependence on imported labour, adding: “There are those in our current government who have suggested that we have once again entered such an economic construct and phase, where the increased importation of various skills is necessary.

“Thus, my rationale for sharing publicly my deep concern for a notable and distinguished pastor, with a Bermudian family and connections, to be shown the door when we are in the process of opening the door for others who have no connection to the island other than a work permit.

“My deep concern as a member of the Pitt Commission is that once again we have in place numerous similar social, economic and political parallels to the years immediately preceding the circumstances that led to riots of that era.

“While the events and circumstances may be too numerous to mention, at this time anyone who would take the time to read said report will quickly spot the warning signs recited within the pages of that document.”

The former Premier pointed to the unprecedented closing of the House of Assembly over immigration concerns, and the airport redevelopment demonstration last month that led to protesters being pepper-sprayed by police.

“It is my information that the Bishop of the AME Church is either in Bermuda or planning to make his way to the island,” he continued.

“If this is not so, I humbly suggest that an invitation be extended, by the Premier, to this most important head of the AME congregation in Bermuda.

“Given my experience as a former Premier of the island, I do know that while the Minister of Home Affairs has cited the reasons for her decision in regard to Mr Tweed’s work permit application, the minister does possess discretionary powers to revisit this matter and, in council with both the Premier and the Bishop of the AME Church, is positioned to resolve this matter to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

“Failing such a resolution to this apparent impasse, the immediate future for law and good order in these isles would appear to be following a path that we have travelled before — and should choose not to risk walking again.”

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