Walton Brown says the handling of the Reverend Nicholas Tweed’s work permit shows the Bermuda Government’s lack of connection to the mood of the country.

The Progressive Labour Party MP said in a statement yesterday: “This issue highlights the need for a new approach in governance; towards one that is connected to the mood of the country, is inclusive, listens and seeks to address issues before they lead to conflict. We hope that, for the good of the country, this dispute is resolved swiftly.”

Mr Brown, the Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, also said the PLP supported the call for “peaceful coexistence” by the Right Reverend Gregory Ingram, the presiding prelate of the First Episcopal District of the AME Church. “My hope is that the Bishop and government can come to a position where we can step back from the disastrous politics of brinkmanship which can only bring more damage than good,” Mr Brown said.

“Current immigration policy allows for a waiver of advertising of jobs under specific conditions. Based on what has been in the public domain about the AME Church appointment protocols, it seems more than reasonable to allow such a waiver and grant the Church the work permit renewal they are seeking.

“A PLP government would clearly have handled this issue in a very different manner, recognising the sensitivity of the issue and adhering to the current immigration policy and past practices. We would have sought to work with the AME Church and together, resolved this issue, without the need for demonstrations and acrimony.”

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