Immigration officials arrived at Mr Reynolds’ apartment on Wednesday and escorted him to the airport. Immigration Minister Derrick Burgess described the incident as ‘tantamount to threatening an act of terrorism, a criminal act of a most heinous nature.’ He went on to say, ‘Such behaviour will not be tolerated by this Government administration, least of all from a guest worker in this country and particularly from someone who, as purportedly responsible as an Executive Chef, was in a position to make good such a threat. No modern democracy post 9/11 would or should, take such threats lightly or in jest.’

Debate on the issue has split the island in two. Most expatriates and many white Bermudians are viewing it as a gross overreaction to an inappropriate joke and an example of Government expatriate bashing. Many within the black community have taken the stance that any threat to the Premier’s life, even if in jest, should be taken seriously.

They estimate the Caribbean region could lose around US $2.6 billion and around 200,000 jobs as a result of the WHTI. Fewer than 30 percent of American citizens have current, valid passports.

Assuming a 40 hour week with 2 weeks annual leave this means a Bermudian pizza delivery boy could earn a tax-free salary of $60,000 a year. In contrast a newly qualified teacher in the UK would command a net salary of $24,520.