January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
MPs pass corporations reform bill
FRIDAY, JULY 23: Hundreds of protestors marched on parliament today waving banners and chanting “save our city” in protest over planned reforms of the Corporations.
As MPs began debating a bill, which will alter voting rights for city elections and transfer control of finances from the docks to Government, the campaigners congregated at City Hall.
It was all to no avail though, as MPs passed the Corporation reform bill.
The close to 300 protesters were led by mayor Charles Gosling down Church Street before congregating in front of the House of Assembly.
One banner read: “Democracy rules and we are tired of fools”
Another said: “Save our town from Dr. Brown.”
A third claimed: “We are losing democracy. Every time, blacks in a black labour Government are afraid to speak their mind because they are afraid of losing their jobs.”
The level of support from bystanders who lined the street was mixed. Some said they thought the Corporation was doing a good job and did not need to be reformed.
Others made reference to the mostly white make-up of the crowd.
“Save our city? Save their city more like.”
As the protesters congregated on the lawn of Parliament, MPs began to emerge from the House for their lunch break.
Minister Zane DeSilva, who tabled the bill, was greeted to a chorus of jeers as he descended the Parliament steps, talking on his cellphone.
One protester briefly tried to stop the minister from exiting standing behind his car as he reversed out of his parking spot.
The crowd continued to chant “coward” at Mr DeSilva as he exited with a casual salute from the open window of GP13.
The protest numbers were later swelled by around 60 members of the Bermuda Public Services Union who were greeted with cheers and whistles.
But BPSU president Arnell Thomas said in a speech that their presence should not be viewed as an endorsement of either side in the debate.
He said the union did not have enough information to take a position. He said his members were affected by any change in the city and deserved to be consulted.
MPs will vote on the Municipalities Amendment Act tonight after a debate this afternoon.
Comments:
You must login to comment.