Live Updates: Gathering At House of Assembly

December 2, 2016

[Updating] The debate on the legislation regarding the airport redevelopment agreement is set to take place at the House of Assembly this morning, with people expected to gather on the grounds to protest.

We will provide live updates below, and you can also tune into Bernews Periscope feed and Bernews Facebook page for live video streams as the day progresses, and we will also post all live video replays below.

Update: The situation escalated, with police — wearing riot gear — moving in on people, and using what appeared to be pepper spray on the crowd.

Speaking to the crowd gathered, Opposition Leader David Burt said, “We are concerned with what went on today, and we have spoken to the Police Commissioner, they pepper sprayed our senior citizens,” while BIU President Chris Furbert called it a “sad, sad day in Bermuda history.”

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Comments (109)

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  1. Will says:

    Any word on public services being disrupted? Seems odd there isn’t a wildcat strike just to fill the numbers of those protesting…..

    • Will says:

      Yikes spoke too soon

    • Rada Gast says:

      Bus service is discontinued this morning. I expect we will hear about more disruption later as the mob congregates.

    • Ha! says:

      Queue the bus strike

      • Family Man says:

        And garbage collection. But they’ll collect it on Sunday at double pay.

    • Lady Bug says:

      They must all be on their devices there too, disliking all these comments while they stand there. What a life!

      • fed up says:

        While you check bernews every five minutes to comment. what a life!

        • gummi bear grip n sip says:

          You realize this is the only comment by this person on the entire page, right?

      • G Trott says:

        Lady Bug or cockroach hiding behind a screen name. BUT its ok that you are a coward hiding behind a keyboard…you are right what a life!

  2. James Rego says:

    I expect the Police will keep access to the House clear and free from encumbrances similar to those that were permitted earlier this year.

    • Will says:

      Guess you spoke too soon as well!

      • hmmm says:

        I’ curious, why aren’t they protesting demanding the truth from Burgess, Donal and Brown !!!!!!!!

        • Will says:

          Hey that’s deflecting from the issue at hand(whatever that may be)…besides no one would be guaranteed a day off work lol

          • hmmmmmmmmmmm says:

            you are all worried about a deal that has been evaluated up the nines but little coverage in the fact that teachers and students are refusing to enter tn tatem this morning. where are the people protesting that.

  3. Rada Gast says:

    The mob gathers to prevent government from governing.

    • hmmm says:

      Any profanity, any preventing the government doing their job and these guys need to be arrested. Richards can sit down with them one by one in the interview room and answer any questions they have on the development and address any concerns.

      • hmmm says:

        Some people clearly don’t want to understand, they just want to be to the PLP and whatever their latest mouthpiece says.

    • Rada Gast says:

      Oh look, someone is disliking all the posts multiple times if the post appears to be against the demonstration. Well done you!

  4. BLIND SHEEP says:

    Go to work

  5. LOVE says:

    Bus service discontinued?? Come on…I’m all for exercising your democratic rights, but its the same faces at every protest. Really does look like a political stunt instead of Bermudians REALLY worried about Bermuda. Its the same song and dance….

    • hmmmmmmmmmmm says:

      numbers are getting smaller and smaller as well but they don’t notice because the vocal minority is out in full force as always.

      they don’t want to believe the number are small because people don’t agree with them.

  6. Family Man says:

    Just who are the police there to protect?

    • So Tired says:

      They look like they are blocking the entrance with the protesters! SMH

      • JohnBoy says:

        Someone should block THEM from getting to work…..oh, nevermind…

  7. trump supporter says:

    And this is what people want, a govt that will strike every time they don’t get there way. I’m taking my toys home.
    OBA apparently the PLP have all the answers, just give it to them let them finish putting the rest of the nails in the coffin.

    • PSP says:

      When the cost of a plane ticket to leave and enter the island goes up by 200% you will be crying bloody murder as a result. Remember this, YOU are the government not the OBA/PLP you understand? Do you go through life signing contracts or agreements you have not read? I DONT THINK SO!! That’s what this is about!! our Premier said just yesterday, “if we went through life reading everything that was put in front of us we wouldn’t get through it”. What type of cock n bull is that?? YES YOUR PREMIER SAID THAT!!! And he’s a business man?? SURE RIGHT YAH, PSSSH I DONT THINK SO!!

      • Bdaluv says:

        This is it! These people are taking the time to protest on our behalf we need to thank them not post nasty comments smh.

        • Air Bda clear to land says:

          they can all go FO they DONT REPRESENT me or my opoinions

          • G Trott says:

            well atleast you can go down there and tell them they can go fo tough guy instead of hiding behind a keyboard and a fake name like the roach you are!

      • hmmm says:

        Can you provide facts to support your 200% or are you just reacting to noise?

      • Spit Bouy says:

        @ PSP,

        When the cost of a plane ticket to leave and enter the island goes up by 200% … Absolute Rubbish!!.

        If the plp and supporters continue with the current trend your ability to travel will be diminished so you wont have to worry about the cost of a plane ticket. Should we slide back into our own recession based on our clear political instability the govt (any) will have set the travel allowance for your US $$$ so low that it won’t matter how much a plane ticket costs. The majority of us wont be able to travel anyway. Remember these and the other protests and what they where actually about, power.

      • trump supporter says:

        were All the contracts read through for the port royal, the court building, Berkeley school and dock yard etc..
        I DONT THINK SO.

  8. John says:

    Oh fab a long veeekend I’m goin shoppin

  9. Sara says:

    Again, too bad this passion and protest never occurred when the PLP was blowing through every last cent Bermuda had. Priorities priorities

    • Will says:

      Yeh was thinking the same thing..where were all the people protesting against the PLPs silly overspending plans…oh I guess those plans included the education and seniors Burt was talking about so it’s okay..they are all hypocrites.

  10. J. Johnston says:

    Let’s clarify – the people are NOT saying that an airport is not needed, but the problem is the deal that this Government is presenting is NOT acceptable. If this was such a great deal then why hasn’t the government shown exactly what they are proposing.

    • hmmm says:

      Like Berkeley , like the hospital, like the BIU bond on Berkeley ?

      Come on … I bet most if not all these people have never read all the documentation. they are pawns being used by the PLP and its BIU are.

      • PSP says:

        $30 million a year for 30 years guarantee wasn’t Berkeley or the Hospital. Seriously?? Aecom is laughing HARD!!

      • PSP says:

        $30m / year for 30 years guarantee revenue wasn’t Berkeley or the Hospital with that revenue NOT being returned to US/the people of Bermuda!! Are you serious?? Do you sign contracts that you have not read? GOOD LUCK!!

    • Politricks says:

      Every document related to this project is publically available.

    • Onion says:

      They have!!!!

      They literally posted the agreement online!!!!

    • Let there be hope says:

      Why did they not do this at the Hospital? The Airport deal is just like the Hospital.

      • Triangle Drifter says:

        Far from it. The taxpayer pays payments, very high ones, on the hospital. The airport effectively pays for itself through charges to the users of the airport.

        At the end of the payment period Bermuda gets the airport free & clear.

        Not much different than owning a piece of property but not having the money or unable to get a loan to build because you are broke. Somebody offers to build the house at no cost to you but gets to live rent free in it for an agreed time after which you get the house free & clear.

        It really is not a hard concept to understand. Bermudians have built homes this way.

      • Rada Gast says:

        Because the PLP did not tell them to oppose the Hospital.

    • Gabriel says:

      I seriously doubt they know what the deal is about….

    • Rich says:

      Even if the deal were not acceptable to some, that’s how democracy works. You vote Govts in. You expect them to make decisions. You won’t always be happy with them. If that’s the case, you make your concerns known. You protest. But the Govt arrives at a decision at the end of the day. You hold them accountable at the ballot box.

      A right to protest does not equate to a right to interfere with the legislature’s work as and when you feel like it. Otherwise, what’s the point of elections?

  11. Terry says:

    TGIF
    Payday
    End of the month

    Yup.

    These fools and the PLP/BIU really want to screw the island.
    They think AC is air conditioning.

    The second coming can’t be far off………………………..

  12. LostinFlatts says:

    No one should be denied a right to protest – it’s a healthy function of a democracy.

    But that shouldn’t be confused with illegal disruption of public services.

    The issue seems to the BIU/PLP’s inability to see the difference.

    This is yet another politically coordinated wildcat strike – which will prevent children getting to school, nurses getting to patients, workers getting to work.

    And yet, because Bermuda is so incredibly sensitive, those responsible simply cannot be held accountable, because that would instantly be construed to be oppressive, rather than you know, adhering to the actual law.

    But hey, morning off on a Friday. Long weekend all. Happy days. Our tax dollars at work.

  13. Ha! says:

    So people are taking the day off from their job to prevent others from doing their job? Why are the police not escorting the MPs into the house?

    • JohnBoy says:

      Exactly what I was saying. They should be escorting the MPS in!

  14. just wondering says:

    I wonder if Derrick Burgess would describe this gathering as “a lynch mob”??? Seems that phrase is more accurate here than the label he attached to the Commission of inquiry who seem to have caught him. The squandering (and that’s being polite) of public funds by the PLP was horrific and yet not a squeak from those marching on the hill about that!! how odd

  15. Mary says:

    Once again, the turkeys continue to vote for Christmas.

  16. Politricks says:

    This is simply mob rule now.

    Protesting is one thing, but preventing elected parliamentarians from doing then job which they were elected to do is not protesting.

    Sad days for Bermuda. Fast becoming a banana republic.

  17. SMILE says:

    I don’t remember workers participating on a protest on the Wharf in Dockyard where the previous Government wasted millions of tax payers money and then we had to turn around and spend out more of the tax payers money to have it repaired properly

    How we forget….

    Ignorance is what I see… on the hill this morning –

    this will be money well spent and it will belong to us all… it will create many jobs for Bermudians!! the end result we will have a beautiful Airport. Do we really want our airport to look like a 3rd world airport..

    Remove your ignorance at let the Government get on with this project..

  18. Fur says:

    Where are the police…no where else in the world can people disrupt Govt Officials from entering the Cabinet to conduct business…..This is absolutely disgusting!!!!!
    You should fire them all and hire people who really want to work and need jobs…obviously this crew doesn’t.

  19. TimBuc says:

    Time that rain frontal system coming?

  20. Dog says:

    Wow this site is very pro UBP anyone who disagrees with you peoples views it seems like they get chastised in the comments even if they are just neutral observers. I guess it shows how really bitter people are. UBP wants to change the name of the airport so badly they are willing to build a new one. SAY hello to Bob Richards International Airport sounds good.

    • just wondering says:

      I am not sure that’s fair – I have no problem at all with peaceful protest – but when you prevent the democratic process from taking place then I have a problem with it – these are MP’s trying to do the peoples business – and they are being prevented from doing so – apart from the fact its actually a criminal offence its simply wrong on its face – I also think a lot of people (myself included) regard these protests with some skepticism as these protests had no problem its seems when the PLP elite were spending money like it was water!!

  21. Rhonnda Oliver says:

    I don’t have a problem with peaceful protest, but they should not be blocking anyone from going about their business. If they are, they should be moved aside by the police, if they refuse to move, arrest them.

  22. wahoo says:

    I thought that this was supposed to be debated today and answers to questions would have to be given, that is how debate works. To not allow a debate to take place makes no sense when you are supposedly wanting answers….boggles my mind I don’t know about anyone else around here.

    Noted that the unionized workers do not march on BIU to demand financial statements about how their dues are being handled.

    • Spit Bouy says:

      @ wahoo,

      Exactly, however we both know the plp don’t want answers in the house. It furthers their argument if there is no debate and hence no answers. Besides I couldn’t see it passing as I’m sure the govt wouldn’t get 100% support from their benches and I suspect that the opposition has all of it’s ducks in a row.

  23. Mike Jones says:

    You all are losers! would prefer to hide like cowards then comment on Bernews instead of showing your Government support for pushing this deal through. Why don’t you go down there and show the people how much you are in support of this…..but I know what your excuses will be!! I’m looking farward to hearing them! LOL A BUNCH OF COWARDS YOU ALL ARE!!

    Go and show your support instead of leaving them hanging out to dry!! you would prefer to mouth off on social media and hide behind a screen name!! COWARDS,COWARDS,COWARDS!!! BTW I am in favor of this deal and on my way down to support the government!!

    • wahoo says:

      No, I am going to protest the protest by spending my time picking up tourists who are waiting at bus stops.

      • G Trott says:

        Doing it out of the kindness of your heart or accepting donations from the tourist….then you are no better!

    • Terry says:

      About time someone who has them grew them larger.

      Shalom.

  24. gummi bear grip n sip says:

    I lost my job today because of these morons striking the buses.

    • TimBuc says:

      Lies!!! Your seeking like votes

    • Mike J says:

      LMAO what a croc!! You lost your job because of your inability to perform…..No employer would fire you because of something that is beyond your control.I suggest you go see a lawyer because you have a case for wrongful dismissal BUT LETS BE HONEST,you are either lying or YOU have been a problem all along! NO ONE IS BUYING YOUR STORY GO TELL THAT FIB TO SOMEONE WHO WILL LISTEN!

  25. Silence Do Good says:

    First and foremost the police should not be standing ideally by and let a crowd of protesters prevent the government from doing the peoples business.

    If the airport deal is so bad debate it in the house let us all hear how bad it is and see if right thinking MPs pass it regardless of the whip. After all what is 30 more years piled on top of the mess the last government got us in.

    I hope if and when the loyal opposition get back in that the same individuals protesting hold them equally accountable for the future of Bermuda. We are certainly learning how the last government worked with its friends and family plan that left our children to pay the bills. It was certainly their time to get…they had to deceive us after all.

    • Mike says:

      “I hope if and when the loyal opposition get back in that the same individuals protesting hold them equally accountable for the future of Bermuda

      They did that when they made OBA the government in 2012!! I don’t think these protesters are against a new airport, I think that they are not understanding of all the facts that is presented. While I am in support of this governments proposal to build a new airport I must admit that all the facts have not been presented to the people.

  26. Makes sense says:

    Hahahah they are all on their phones liking comments! Go to work, a few hundred people don’t speak for majority

    “Hey guys do you see this comment? We should dislike it!”

    • G Trott says:

      But its ok for you to hide like the cockroach you are and comment about them. Atleast they have they courage to stand on the frontline for what they believe in instead of hiding like the coward you are!

  27. Triangle Drifter says:

    You can bet all of them get a Government paycheck. Any not on the taxpayer payroll would have a pink slip made out for them already.

    Don’t come to work Monday. You are fired.

  28. Bobby Jones says:

    Quite some time ago, I said that the PLP would do anything to bring down the Government so that they can have power. They will continue to do this, look out next year when the Americas Cup will be on. They will destroy it in the name of taking power.

  29. Gustav says:

    Go to work !!!!

  30. Ronald says:

    More people would be able to attend this protest if the buses were running….

  31. Sick of hearing it says:

    OBA needs to balls up and MOVE THEM! It can’t be that hard. I mean the police are already there for crying out load!! I just can’t anymore with this crap.

    • Sick of hearing it says:

      …and before anyone corrects my spelling, I did mean LOUD and not LOAD.

    • Rich says:

      How? The OBA does not control the police.

    • G Trott says:

      well go and do something about it if you cant take it anymore instead of the tough guy talking roach you are hiding behind a keyboard and a screen name! lmao

  32. Sandgrownan says:

    Fire all the bus drivers now

    • Spit Bouy says:

      @ Sandgrownan,

      A bit harsh, I would bet there are many bus drivers and other CS who don’t support this BS but they are more afraid of the repercussions should they not participate. JS

  33. VOO says:

    rain rain don’t want to get ther hur vet..geez

    • G Trott says:

      They are not scared of rain or bathing unlike some others!

  34. wahoo says:

    Is this normal working hours for Tweed? If yes then he is not at work but likely to collect a paycheck nonetheless.

  35. Rocky5 says:

    The Hospital pays $2,500,000/month or $30,000,0000/year over 30 years or a total of $900,000,000 to a FOREIGN COMPANY but never seen a protest there….

    • Spit Bouy says:

      @ Rocky5,

      Stop it, facts that show the plp’s argument is BS aren’t important. Well not to the combined opposition and it’s rent a crowd crew anyway.

  36. Had Enough says:

    I guess these people haven’t been in and out of the airport recently. It is a disgrace and having to wait half an hour for your luggage from a plane that is parked 200 feet away from the terminal is crazy. We don’t have the money to fix it so if everyone of those people protesting and Mr Burt, please lets hear your answers to getting the airport fixed. And before anyone says I must be a OBA supporter, so far from the truth, just saying

    • G Trott says:

      lol When you have to justify your comment by saying that you are not an oba supporter, you truly are and thats ok too! Its like the racist that tries to justify they are not a racist by saying I have a black friend! lmao

  37. Unbelievable says:

    Shouldnt the Police give MPs the opportunity to enter the House of Assembly without fear??? Why arent they doing their job???

  38. G Trott says:

    At least these protesters have the courage to show their faces and stand up for what they believe in BUT here on Bernews you have a bunch of COWARDS hiding behind fake names that wont atleast show support for the government decision to build this airport but would rather hide like cockroaches,behind a keyboard, and run your mouth off! People like you cant be trusted…the whole bunch of you are roaches! Whether you agree with them or not they are showing unity!

    BTW Thank you Bernews for your coverage….first class as usual!

  39. Good luck says:

    If people wish to protest peacefully outside any building in Bermuda then that is their democratic right. When elected members of Parliament and in particular the leader of the opposition tell people to demonstrate on a particular matter, this is nothing short of issues at its highest level. I wonder if some Bermudians would jump over a cliff while their elected MP’s stood back and watched? I’ll check and see if Pic a Pet are selling Lemmings.

  40. Ben says:

    I see the trolls on the OBA’s payroll are out in force today. Will somebody PLEASE ban these lot before they cause any more damage?

  41. Bermymiss says:

    oh der its raining

  42. J. Johnston says:

    To all of you who disagree with the actions taken today concerning the Air Port deal ask yourselves if the PLP were bringing this deal forward would you be agreeing with them. As a comparison – How much money has the Government given to the Americas Cup, do we know? There is a possibility that it could be close to the $2 hundred ml and if so why couldn’t the Government pay for its own airport. For those who came out to protest the furlough days because you all thought that it was going to interfere with your monies should also be out with the protesters now because it will in some way or the other affect you. It is a joke that most of you find it more important to come out and protest over Gay rights – only when it affects you personally.

  43. Jahstice says:

    The OBA letting Bermuda go down the drain.

  44. Terry says:

    Merry Christmas.
    At this rate the grease balls at Hungry Bay sound good for a meal on the 25th.

    Hungry Bay.
    Maybe that what Bermuda will be called in a few years
    Shalom.

  45. sick and tired says:

    Now they are complaining the Police are out in full riot gear. I do not blame them. I do not mind that you are protesting or striking, but you cannot stop people from going where they need to go. I hope they arrest all of you. Go ahead PLP, blast me if you care to. This is my opinion.

    • G Trott says:

      no one especially the PLP are not worrying about blasting you…you are irrelevent especially when you hide like a cockroach behind a screen name like a coward. Now thats all the attention you will get from anyone!

  46. G Trott says:

    All day the protest have been peaceful now the government and the police have taken it to the next level and are pepper spraying people. NOW THE SH*T has hit the ceiling!! Im sorry but this is the end of the oba!!

  47. Ronnie Viera says:

    Protest and strike but you cannot be allowed to block the entrance to a Government building. The PLP leader is to be held responsible for whatever happens as the Govt must be able to conduct it’s business regardless if one agrees with what the proposal is or not. The process must be allowed to take place on the floor of the House.

  48. Sad Day says:

    What on earth is going on. We have gone back 50 years.

  49. ella says:

    That was not the way to go Bda Police! Now you have added more fuel to the fire!