by Christopher Famous JP, MP, Constituency #11, Devonshire East

Michael Fahy recently made public statements that the way forward to addressing costs of living is via the granting of Bermuda Status. When the OBA talks about “status,” they are talking about granting voting rights and property ownership privileges that directly impact our democracy, our economy, and the future of our people.

For anyone following recent history, the granting of Bermudian status has long been rejected by the vast majority of Bermudian voters.

Pressure on Housing Market

For the purposes of the cost of housing, the claim that granting Bermuda status would assist in lowering costs of housing is farcical at best. The reality is that once granted status, persons are now entitled to purchase unlimited amounts of property, whether it is one unit or multiple units.

During the recent session, held in the House of Assembly on June 27th, a question was posed to elected members of both sides of the house as to whether they can honestly say that the granting of Bermuda Status would assist in the cost of living and the cost of housing.

Not one MP, either on the PLP or OBA side, would support the notion.

So, what does the granting of Bermudian Status mean for working and middle class Bermudians in terms of affordability of housing? Simply put, it means that they will be faced with increased competition to purchase their first home. It means the prices go up, not down.

So again, how does Micheal Fahy’s and the OBA’s proposal to give away Bermuda Status assist Bermudians seeking to rent or purchase their own home?

Balance

For clarity, the county does need population growth for a myriad of reasons. However, population growth is not the same as the granting of status. The OBA used to cite the Cayman Islands tax immigration policies and the granting of Status as examples that we should aspire towards.

Fast forward, the newly elected Cayman Islands Government is now reversing many of those policies as this has led to born Caymanians being displaced from jobs, business opportunities and most of all the ability to afford housing in their own country.

The PLP will not support any immigration policy that risks repeating the mistakes of our past.

We believe in a thoughtful and balanced population strategy that brings home Bermudians living abroad, supports young families, and welcomes individuals who contribute to our economy without undermining the rights of our people.