Ewart Brown's own backbenchers out to get him,want him out now !

Group rallies outside Cabinet, claims country is being badly run

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Time for change: People protesting various causes, and those that were just curious listened to various speakers from "Forum for change " speak on the lawn of the Cabinet building yesterday lunchtime. Photo by Glenn Tucker Time for change: People protesting various causes, and those that were just curious listened to various speakers from "Forum for change " speak on the lawn of the Cabinet building yesterday lunchtime. Photo by Glenn Tucker Pat Ferguson at the "Forum for change " rally outside the Cabinet office. Photo by Glenn Tucker

Speeches covering the state of the economy, the environment, crime, tourism, race, education and health care were delivered outside the Cabinet Office by members of a new group yesterday.

Police estimated that about 70 people turned out to hear the speakers from Forum for Change, an organisation which claims the country is being badly run and that it can effect positive change by giving a voice to the marginalised.

The lunchtime crowd included protesters waving banners objecting to development at Southlands and the way the FutureCare health insurance plan for seniors has been rolled out.

They were joined by placard-carrying members of a group campaigning for Premier Ewart Brown to remain in office past his stated departure date of October 2010.

The first speaker, Marti Chiappa, said the forum did not represent, support or aspire to any political party or agenda.

"We have listened so many times to talk shows and have repeatedly heard the voices of helplessness and frustration, of those feeling marginalised and having no voice," she said.

"Through decisions made by our leaders, we are sometimes left feeling disrespected, rejected and our opinions invalidated. Take heart, there are many who feel as you do and we are now ready to stand firm and help your voice to be heard." Gilbert Pitcher said the Island's leaders should be willing to accept criticism on any issue, be it the "escalation in deadly violence", the failing education system, the declining tourism industry and the state of the economy.

He told the audience: "A larger under class is being created because of the increased burden on the middle class. We need more fiscal prudence with the public purse; then increased taxes may not have been necessary."

Mr. Pitcher said Bermuda was becoming more divided. "No matter what happened before, we shouldn't be copying bad behaviour," he added.

Pat Ferguson spoke of a wish for the Island to return to better days when she claimed customer service was impeccable, children didn't swear and Bermudians were polite, courteous people.

She said Forum for Change wanted "a Bermuda where the Government follows policy and protocol; a government that lives by the code of trust and respect for each of its members, regardless of which side of the aisle they sit".

Stuart Hayward, chairman of Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce, was the final speaker. He said the Forum for Change was trying a new approach to convince the Government to alter the way it dealt with concerned citizens and organisations.

"How will we do this? We will start the process by hosting forums every two or three weeks or so. We are doing something that hasn't been done on this Island, at least not in my memory."

He said the idea was to have regular "Speakers' Corner" style events where people would speak respectfully and constructively and "move from words to action". • For more information on Forum for Change email forumforchange@live.com