Community News
Bermuda Government Proposes English Tests Before Permits Are Issued
BY: SELINA CHIPPY
A policy to examine the English language skills of foreign workers in Bermuda is currently under review. Following consultation, this could be introduced in a matter of weeks, and formal considerations were confirmed by Home Affairs Minister, Walton Brown, during a news conference on Wednesday, October 3rd.
If implemented, the policy will require those from countries where English is not the first language, to evidence English proficiency by passing an examination in order to obtain work permits for various positions. Brown revealed that the policy is mostly concerned with those who primarily work in the public domain and undertake positions in which the lives of others are deemed at risk if workers cannot understand or communicate effectively in English. Examples include those who work in health-related environments, especially if the reading of medical prescriptions is required. The policy is also concerned with those who work in restaurants as there are multiple ways in which health and safety can be compromised if an employee’s English skills are limited.
If restaurant workers are unable to communicate allergen information and other essential details within their position, this could render the individual unsuitable for the role, while also generating complaint against them. Furthermore, the policy will seek to ensure effective English skills in those who work in various hotel positions and in roles where cleaning products or other chemicals are administered. Apparently, the policy will also endeavour to provide guidelines for customs officers dealing with those who first arrive in Bermuda, as they are said to receive training to ensure there is an effective process undertaken when assessing individuals.
The proposal has raised numerous questions concerning those who are already working in Bermuda. In these circumstances, workers who are faced with complaint due to limited English skills may be brought into the Department of Immigration to complete an English language examination. Brown said, “If the employee fails the test, they and their employer will be given 14 days to provide a written response as to why the minister should not revoke their work permit.”
It is evident that the proposal has sparked conversations concerning the possibility of discrimination. There are those who feel that it’s initiation may leave communities or individuals vulnerable to harassment, unfounded complaint, potential exclusion and in certain cases a disruption or separation between families if work permits are revoked. Members of the public have also been quick to raise the point that native English speakers with strong regional accents cannot be understood in some circumstances. Some feel that this can cause a range of communication difficulties in the work environment. Therefore, people are curious to know how this will be managed under the policy.
Brown was questioned about the subject of regional accents during the news conference, but apparently, he highlighted the distinction between accent and English proficiency, which would imply that they don’t raise the same type of concern. Nonetheless, members of the public have suggested that if a person cannot be understood due to a strong regional accent or a dialect, perhaps it is possible for a complaint to be made against them, especially if they work in the medical or hospitality industry. While this may be less likely to occur, some believe that regional accent can be a major barrier in terms of communication and should perhaps be dealt with in a similar way to those who have limited English skills.
Caushon
October 13, 2018 at 9:29 am
So true and a very wonderful topic that are so true