Pressure group stages protest against immigration and citizenship bills

Dozens of Barbadians were back on the streets of Bridgetown on Saturday to protest sections of the proposed immigration and citizenship bills. They insist that, if approved, the laws could have lasting consequences for the island’s identity, resources and democratic integrity.

The demonstration, organised by the Loyal Opposition group, began around 10 a.m. at Kensington Mall, St Michael, where marchers gathered before making their way to Independence Square.

Some protesters blew whistles and waved the national flag, while others carried placards bearing messages such as “freedom is our right to question everything” and “we do not have a political system, we have an auction”.

Organisers described the action as “peaceful but necessary noise” in their stand against what they called rushed and poorly considered changes to the immigration and citizenship laws of the country.

They expressed particular concern about the proposed citizenship requirements, which the group argues would make it “too easy to obtain voting rights”, which has political implications.

The Loyal Opposition group made clear that the protest was not about opposing immigrants but about protecting Barbadians and promoting earned citizenship.

Concerns about the bills have also been raised elsewhere, including by Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne, KC, who questioned the legality of the new freedom of movement policy, which took effect on October 1. (DT)