Media statement from Government House

The Acting Governor, Mrs. Ginny Ferson today issued the following statement, "I am very concerned at the events which took place today outside Parliament. Bermudians elect their MPs to represent them and to debate Bills in Parliament. Preventing MPs from getting into Parliament to carry out their legislative business is a serious infringement of the rule of law and the democratic values we all hold dear.

"The right to peaceful protest is also a right we hold dear. But there are people who seek to go beyond peaceful protest and incite criminal activity. The Bermuda Police Service is tasked with upholding the law and assuring public safety. The protocols they follow are aimed at minimizing use of force and avoiding injury, both to the public and to their officers. For my part, I would urge those who wish to protest to act within the law so that occurrences like this can be avoided in the future."