Video: Sir John Swan Press Conference - Bernews

[Updated] Sir John Swan is holding a press conference this afternoon [Nov 21] regarding the Government’s statement that they will be initiating a consultation process about a full membership in Caricom. We will have additional information later on, and in the meantime the live video is below.

Update | The press conference has concluded, Sir John expressed concerns about the concept of Bermuda becoming a full member of Caricom, mentioning a wide range of topics including our relationships with the US and UK, our business industry, geo-political issues and more.

“I am humbly suggesting that based upon the stats, based upon the participation, based upon on Bermuda’s position as to where it is now, that we consider not becoming members of Caricom,” Sir John said. “And that any movement by Government to become a [full] member of Caricom should be by way of a referendum.”

Update Deputy Premier Walter Roban said, “The position taken by Sir John Swan with respect to membership in Caricom is hardly surprising.”

The Deputy Premier said that “many will recall” what Minister Roban claimed was “his overt discrimination against West Indians and their Bermudian families both a Minister of Home Affairs and Premier.”

“Sir John would do well to remember that it is this government that has set up representative offices in London, Washington DC and Brussels and so those bases are expertly covered,” the Deputy Premier said.

“This is an old playbook from his UBP days: denigrate the Caribbean while making loads of money by investing and having business interests there. In that sense, he is not different to the colonizers. What a regrettable stance to be taken by a supposed national hero.”

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