Lively crowd of 100 confronts Premier

Over 100 islanders descended on the House of Assembly today to protest against the Government's decision to end term limits.

The group, calling itself 'Concerned Bermudians', assembled at around noon in front of the Parliament building. They held aloft banners which read 'Fahy must go' and 'OBA lies, lies and more lies'.

A spokesman set out a list of the group's demands including; the re-instatement of term limits, a three-month extension of the Work Permit policy review , as well as a public apology from Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy for his “deception and condescending attitude”.

Protestors are upset that, having promised a two-year review of term limits, the OBA abolished them within about two months of taking office.

Organizer Marilyn Outerbridge addressed the gathering: “I did not come here today to be disrespectful”, she said. “Let us emulate good behaviour.”

“We come here in regards to the term limits... we hope our voices will be heard in the best interests of the Bermudian people.”

PLP leader Marc Bean and fellow party members Glenn Blakeney and Walter Roban were greeted by cheers as they emerged from the House just after noon.

In contrast, Premier Craig Cannonier and Mr Fahy received a frosty reception as they tried to address the crowd.

A small police presence was on duty outside Sessions House but the demonstration went off without any trouble.

The assembled group was repeatedly asked to be quiet as the Premier tried to address them and some members of the crowd interrupted Mr Cannonier as he spoke.

Mr Cannonier said: "I recognize we have many challenges in front of us.

"We will continue to look at our situation and make it a priority to get Bermuda back to work."

But the Premier was almost drowned out by calls for Mr Fahy to apologise and resign over his recent handling of the move to get rid of term limits.

More boos rang out as Mr Fahy addressed the crowd, saying Government would turn the economy around and create jobs for Bermudians.

The pair then returned into the House of Assembly prompting more demands for Mr Fahy to apologise and resign.

By 12:30pm the crowd had begun to disperse and the dozens of people that had also turned out to watch the demonstration from the sidewalks and neighbouring buildings returned to work.

Earlier in the day, a planned march on Parliament attracted just three individuals who walked from Union Square to the House of Assembly. It is not clear if any attempt had been made to coordinate the two events.