Hashtag: #Dec2Protest
CURB Dismayed & Shocked By Events On Friday
Saying they are “dismayed by the events that occurred on Friday” and “shocked that orders were given to deploy the riot police against non-violent, unarmed individuals,” CURB said the use of the ”riot squad, force, and pepper spray” has “taken this far beyond the airport project and escalated the tension in... Read more of this article
Canada’s Toronto Star Report On Protest
In a story headlined “Toronto construction company Aecon under fire in Bermuda,” the Toronto Star has reported on the protest on Friday, saying that “tempers flared” in the “normally peaceful tourist hot spot best known for its pink sand beaches.” The report said “A Toronto construction company is the focus of... Read more of this article
MP Roban & Minister Baron On Protest, Police
Shadow National Security Minister Walter Roban said that “clear answers have yet to be provided as to how and why some members of the BPS exacted unjustifiable physical force including the use of pepper spray and the threat of using tasers,” while National Security Minister Jeff Baron noted that the operational control of the police ”is... Read more of this article
Court: Man Charged With Assaulting Police
Appearing in Magistrates Court today, a 52-year-old man was charged in relation to allegedly assaulting the police during the protest on Friday. Edmund Smith was charged with assaulting a police officer and causing him bodily harm, and with possessing a wooden walking staff. When charged, Mr Smith asked Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo how do you respond... Read more of this article
Age Concern Support Call For Investigation
Seniors advocacy group Age Concern Bermuda said they “support Premier Dunkley’s call into an investigation into the actions of police officers that occurred on Friday at the House of Assembly, saying that of “notable concern” is the “use of pepper spray and other possible forms of physical harm, seemingly without warning or... Read more of this article
Column: If We Forget, We Are Doomed To Repeat
[Opinion column written by Liana Hall] There is a picture of my father, Julian Hall, that was taken on December 1st 1977 outside the Supreme Court. He had been arguing, alongside Opposition PLP Leader Lois Browne-Evans, in the final appeal against the death sentences for Larry Tacklyn and Buck Burrows. Despite being Secretary for the United Bermuda... Read more of this article
Column: Do We Seek To Polarize Or Strengthen
[Opinion column written by Glenn Fubler] In December of 1977, as a young man living temporarily in London, I had an experience which resonates with that metaphor, above. I began to discover an unconquerable aspect of myself. It eventually became apparent to me that this is also available to everyone. It is revealed to us as we begin to understand that... Read more of this article
Premier And PLP Leader On Protest & Airport Bill
“This is a good deal for Bermuda and we are prepared to debate it in the House as a vibrant democracy allows,” Premier Michael Dunkley said, while Opposition Leader David Burt reiterated his call for the “Government to delay debate on the airport bill and request the Auditor General to complete an independent review.” The Premier... Read more of this article
7 Hours Of Live Video Replays: Protest At House
Following Friday’s protest — which multiple people called a “sad day” for the island — the police said they “are reviewing video footage to identify offenders with a view to preparing files for the DPPs review,” while the PLP called for an investigation into why the police “dosed pepper spray indiscriminately... Read more of this article
Centre For Justice: Freedom Of Assembly Laws
The Centre for Justice said the protest on Friday ”raises a number of legal issues” they wish to address as part of their remit to raise public awareness around civil liberties. The Centre said, “Section 10 of the Bermuda Constitution guarantees the right of freedom of assembly and association. As in most fundamental rights, this... Read more of this article
Video: Police Commissioner’s Press Conference
“It is important for the public to be aware that there is a significant difference between peaceful, lawful protest and unlawful activity that threatens the democratic process,” Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva said. Speaking at a press conference today, Commissioner DeSilva said, “This morning a group of persons gathered around... Read more of this article
PLP Call For Investigation Into Pepper Spray Use
“We call for an investigation into why members of the Bermuda Police Service dosed pepper spray indiscriminately into a crowd,” Opposition Leader David Burt said this evening, adding that people “experienced an egregiously violent response to their right to assembly.” Mr Burt said, “The pepper spraying of senior citizens... Read more of this article