Juhan: PLP Asks For Clarity On Land Policy Review

The PLP has asked Government for clarity about??their planned review about policies surrounding the ability of non Bermudian spouses to acquire Bermuda land.

Speaking recently about the Immigration and Protection Amendment Bill 2012 [PDF], the Minister of Home Affairs Michael Fahy said: ?We recognise that this is an issue that touches on considerable sensitivities in our community. The public is aware that I have been very vocal about this matter, and I am committed to sitting down and undertaking a thorough and measured review of the current policy.?

The Minister noted that there are numerous items on the Government?s agenda that are an immediate priority, and said this policy will receive early attention and legislative amendments may follow based on the outcome of the review. He advised that a ?time line will be determined shortly.?

A statement from the?Opposition this evening said: ?The PLP notes the recent statement made by the Minister of Home Affairs of the government?s intention to review existing policy and legislation regarding the ability of non Bermudian spouses to acquire in an interest in Bermuda land.

?The previous government had already amended its original policy to allow non-Bermudian spouses to acquire Bermuda land with their Bermuda spouse without the requirement of a licence. The change in policy was done to ensure that Bermudians with non-Bermudian spouses were not unduly delayed or handicapped in their legitimate quest to own a home in their chosen domicile.

?Despite the Minister?s comments for a ;measured and thorough review? of the existing policy we will take issue with any changes that risk the opportunity of future generations of Bermudians to acquire property, ? the PLP continued.

?The policy and legislation regarding foreign ownership of Bermuda land was established by the Progressive Labour Party to combat ?fronting?, an illegal practice which allowed non Bermudians (with the aid of Bermudians) to inappropriately acquire property, risking the future availability of real estate to Bermudians.

?We agree that there must be ?sensitivities? to the views of the majority of citizens who saw this as a needed protection of their right to acquire just one home in their country. This is a fundamental right which must be preserved and not compromised by those who have the means to acquire multiple properties in Bermuda and other jurisdictions.

?It will be important for the Minister and the government to make clear:

1) What specific policy changes they will make?
2) How will these changes, if implemented, protect against fronting? , and
3) How will these changes provide a legitimate opportunity to Bermudians and their non-Bermudian spouses and also protect the rights of future generations of Bermudians to acquire property in this their island home?

?The government has yet to make a statement on these crucial areas of policy. The PLP supports a balanced approach to this particular issue and as government worked to achieve that balance.

?The Progressive Labour Party will carefully observe any proposed amendments to the existing policy and as stated earlier will not support any change in policy that puts the future opportunity of Bermudians to acquire property at risk,? the PLP concluded.

Responding to this evening?s statement from the Opposition, Minister Fahy said: ?I have always been against ?fronting? as has the One Bermuda Alliance.

?I think it bears reminding that this Government has repeatedly said that it will work to protect the interests of all Bermudians and we have not wavered from that position.?

Minister Fahy continued, ?This statement from the PLP is a scaremongering statement ? nothing more ? and that is unfortunate.?I confirmed earlier this week, that we will review the policy and when we are completed that review we will make the appropriate announcement.?

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