We have just ended a forced consultation period on the Immigration Bills – a consultation repeatedly called for by the PDM and more specifically by myself as the Shadow Minister for Border Control. Until Friday, August 21, 2015, the consultation period was largely an online consultation with limited access to and difficulty accessing the Immigration Bill and with the need to request a face to face stakeholder meeting. As recent as yesterday, I was still providing individuals with a copy of the Immigration Bills.
In October when the PDM was successful in halting the Bill due to a lack of consultation and then knowing full well that it could not be presented in the current Session, we expected that the Government would have used the time to conduct meaningful and accessible consultations. Whilst we are grateful that the Government has changed its position following an acknowledgement of a request for same from PDM Members to hold public meetings, we unfortunately are not happy with the rushed, sham of a consultation as they have grown a reputation for.
A more detailed approach outlining what exists now, what is being proposed and the reasons for same, all in an effort to better educate and then a means to gauge the responses would have been the most effective approach. The responses from persons as early as the first public meeting here in Provo prompted the PNP’s own Party Treasurer to ask the Minister publicly for a longer educational process. The one week of public consultation in a whirlwind fashion has left many heads spinning and concerned over the rushed and hurried approach to something so critical and fundamental. This together with the absence of a true and full appreciation for the content of these life altering Bills, and the information to show the impact, our people are left seriously concerned.
Often times and as recent as the last House of Assembly Meeting on an immigration amendment, the Government had no statistics or pressing information to support their hurried approach on its major policy change. We note with amusement however, the many occasions where members of the Government have been sorely agitated by members of the PDM posing questions. Our people are now asking questions and they require answers.
We are sincerely troubled by the Government’s usual hurried approach to the passage of laws in this country and we are again publicly cautioning this Government to take better care of the people of these Islands and the country’s future. We must be careful to not pass laws based on any other reason than in the best interests of our people and to always be mindful of the fact that there are some decisions if not carefully made can adversely affect us as a people.
We therefore cannot see how this Government can possibly continue with its plan to force through the Immigration Bill on September 14th in the climate of mistrust, uneasiness and skepticism that it has created by their own approach to this important Immigration reform.
We are therefore admonishing the Government to take the wishes of the people into account, accurately reflect them and ensure that there is a proper balance between adequate protections for its people and the need for growth.
We are also calling on them to take another look at its Bills, engage in meaningful educational and informative consultations and carefully consider the proposals made to them.
