Friday, June 29: Young people want to be able to grow up on an island where their voices are heard.
This was the message from a group of about 60 placard-waving protestors who gathered outside the House of Assembly to greet MPs today.
The teenagers, several of them draped in Bermuda flags, voiced their concern about the 'negative' political direction in which they feel Bermuda is heading.
Despite not being old enough to vote, five teenage girls organized today's bi-partisan protest through the website Facebook.
They used the protest to show their concerns over independence and allegations of corruption surrounding the Bermuda Housing Corporation scandal.
Premier Ewart Brown was greeted with banners saying slogans such as: 'Listen to the people, listen to the future', 'Today we march, tomorrow we vote' and 'Corruption is illegal' as he left the House of Assembly.
The protesters gathered outside the Cabinet building on Front Street at noon as cars honked their horns in support.
They then marched up Parliament Street to the House of Assembly chanting "honesty, transparency, integrity and accountability."
Christie O'Doherty, 16, said they feared young people who attend schools overseas would not come back to Bermuda because of the 'current political climate.'
She said: "Young people have got to be heard. We want to let the government know that young people are aware of what is going on and we are tomorrow's voters.
"We have the right to know the truth before it gets even worse," she said.
Students Luisa Olander, Erin Jackson, Stephanie Smith, Christie O'Doherty and Annefa Burke organized today's protest.
They first posted a Facebook notice about the protest on June 7 after Dr. Brown threatened to stop relations with the Governor Sir John Vereker.
Stephanie Smith, 16, gave a rousing speech in front of Dr, Brown and several MPs who had left the House of Assembly for their lunch break.
The crowd cheered and yelled "yes, that's what we want" as Stephanie said they wanted a government that was transparent, honest and held accountable.
She said: "We have been shocked by events that have transpired. It is up to us, the young people, to take control and let our voices be heard.
"We're not eligible to vote, but we believe you are never too young to make a difference."
She added: "We would like to see every young Bermudian registered to vote, but more importantly aware of the power they hold."
After shaking the hands of the protest organizers and taking a quick glance at the banners, Dr. Brown said he was "absolutely delighted" young people were so passionate about the politics of their country. He said it reminded him of the many marches and demonstrations he attended as a student.
Dr. Brown said: "This is a true indication that democracy is alive and well in Bermuda.
"There is good news and bad news. I'm against corruption inside and outside government. But I'm a supporter of independence, so we'll have to agree to disagree on that one."
At one point UBP leader Michael Dunkley emerged from the House and thanked the young people for having "the courage" to stand up and be counted.
He said: "My challenge (to the young people) is to stay involved. One march does nothing to change what happens on the island. We have to be held accountable as after all we get paid to represent you. Keep up the good fight."
Reader Comments
Posted: Sunday, July 01, 2007
Comment by:
bdagovern
Surely the UBP might as well prepare ahead, to lose in the nest election.. they have no chance in hell.. I predict the UBP will loose at least 2 seats, with the PLP hanging onto all of theirs. Dunkley will lose against Patrice Minors. The election is all on race, the UBP have done nothing and continue to ignore race, that's why after this next election, Dunkley will quickly resign and the UBP is history--for good!
Posted: Saturday, June 30, 2007
Comment by:
Newyorker
It's my guess that the number of people in favor of independece has dropped in the past few months, due to the air of corruption that has risen. Independence is probably the right thing for Bermuda one day, given the right set of circumstances. I can't help but think, though, that even some ardent PLP suppoters are concerned about independence, being that it will effectively give total power and control to a small inner-circle, who could do irreparable damage to Bermuda's economy and reputation.
Posted: Saturday, June 30, 2007
Comment by:
limey
karen,"Believe you me, if the PLP gets in again this Island WILL GO INDEPENDENT like it or not." that makes no sense - the island can only go independent if you and others vote for it - it's nothing that the plp can just "do" don't be silly.
Posted: Saturday, June 30, 2007
Comment by:
rick olson
Take corruption out of Goverment would be like taking away stock options from insurance CEO's
Posted: Friday, June 29, 2007
Comment by:
Colin
If Dr. Brown says he is against corruption, why hasn't the Gov't passed one piece of anti-corruption legislation in the House since the BHC scandal first broke 4 years ago? Gov't has set high standards for international business to operate here but zero standards for themselves.
Posted: Friday, June 29, 2007
Comment by:
Karen
Believe you me, if the PLP gets in again this Island WILL GO INDEPENDENT like it or not.
