Bermuda stands to benefit from greater integration with its Caribbean neighbours, according to the head of Caricom.

Dickon Mitchell, the Prime Minister of Grenada and chairman of the Caribbean Community, made the case for Bermuda to join the organisation as a full member at the Progressive Labour Party’s annual gala at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club on Saturday night.

In a 40-minute speech to a packed hall of PLP MPs, delegates and supporters, Mr Mitchell emphasised the historical and cultural bonds between Bermuda and its neighbours in the south.

The island enjoys only associate membership of Caricom at present, but the Government signalled in its November 2023 Throne Speech that it would explore full membership.

Mr Mitchell told the gathering: “Although you’re located in the middle of the Atlantic, for all intents and purposes I think we all know that you are very much a part of the Caribbean family — through our shared history, our shared culture and our love of cricket.

“We have a bond. We have a shared history, bound together, fighting for a future of peace and prosperity.”

Mr Mitchell noted that the island had become a home to hundreds of Grenadians in recent years.

The Prime Minister, who has risen swiftly since entering politics less than four years ago, highlighted how unity within the close-knit Caribbean family had helped his own country.

He said: “On a serious note, I think our country has gone through a bit of a rough patch in the last six months.

“We’ve been hit by a hurricane and this week we’ve had some pretty devastating floods as well.

“Coincidentally, the hurricane came the day that I assumed the chairmanship of Caricom. We had to postpone a Caricom meeting in Grenada as a result of the hurricane, but you know, one month later we had a Caricom meeting.

“I think that was testimony to the resilience and support of the Caricom community, rallying and coming to the aid of Grenada.

“So I want to take this opportunity to thank Bermuda for coming to the aid of supporting Grenada in its time of need, and for also sharing your experiences in dealing with climatic events and providing support and reassurance.”

Mr Mitchell called on Bermuda to join Caricom to support small island nations under threat from global warming and rising sea levels.

He acknowledged that he attended last month’s COP29 climate change conference of global leaders, only to come away feeling that it was “a long talking shop designed to pacify us and move back home empty-handed and frustrated”.

Mr Mitchell said on Saturday that other voices should be heard, and that Bermuda should have a say.

“Bermuda needs to join the fight,” he said.

“In fact, we are all victims of a war that we did not start but are expected to fight.”

He added: “As small islands, we continue to advocate and fight for fairness within the global system as relates to climate change.”

Mr Mitchell also highlighted the possibility of Bermuda joining negotiations on food production.

Calling Caricom “the oldest surviving association of integration in the world”, he said: “We may not always get it right, we may not always get it at the pace needed, but I think the fact is, the need to continue working to make the world a more fair and a more just place requires greater integration among small nations.”

Mr Mitchell applauded David Burt, the Premier, and hailed the PLP as a “great political organisation”.

He advised the ruling party to fight back against the forces of the status quo, adding: “It’s fantastic, it’s admirable, that despite extended years in opposition, you are the oldest surviving political party in Bermuda.

“It tells you that tough times need tough people and that sometimes, when God is testing us and we ask why, He knows best and ultimately we are the beneficiaries of His mercies.

“I want to say congratulations to you for standing true, being resolute, being steadfast and for now being in a position to truly transform Bermuda and to make sure that concept of equity and fairness can trickle down to all Bermudians — regardless of race, background, ethnicity or religion.”