HAMILTON, Bermuda (Jamaica Observer) — Members of Parliament in Bermuda were yesterday morning locked out of the House of Assembly as the protest against the Pathways to Status initiative stepped up a gear.
With politicians due to debate the controversial Bill, demonstrators formed a human chain around the building with the doors locked behind them, according to Bermuda’s The Royal Gazette. Hundreds of people had gathered on the grounds of the Cabinet Building in the capital on Sunday night in support of government’s controversial immigration legislation. However, people opposing the move returned this morning to continue their protest.
Progressive Labour Party MP Michael Weeks said that to his knowledge no MP made it inside, telling The Royal Gazette: “I think right now it is just a waiting game because the people are standing firm and now the next move is going to be on the government — are they going to come and listen to the people and address the people?”
In anticipation of island-wide work stoppages, the Bermuda Government forewarned citizens to expect disruption to public services. Schools yesterday reported low student attendance due to the lack of public transportation, but teachers arrived for duty as usual.
Protesters began gathering at Union Square, before marching to the House of Assembly, where they linked arms to surround the building. Several hundred, including many schoolchildren, were in place by about 11 am. Reform comes in the name of the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Amendment Act 2016 that would open the door for long-term guest workers to gain permanent residency after 15 years.
The protesters are calling on the government to withdraw legislation providing new pathways to status for long-term residents.
