The People’s Campaign said today it did not issue an ultimatum to the Premier on the PRC issue and expressed concern about rising tensions sparked by “misleading media reports”.

According to a joint statement issued by the Cabinet Office and the campaign group, the organisation contacted Premier Michael Dunkley, stating it was keen to have a reasonable and realistic discussion on the matter.

In the statement, the organisers say: “In light of the increased publicly demonstrated frustrations of some in our community and the dangerous, inciteful, inflammatory, and irresponsible commentary being disseminated via various media outlets, the People’s Campaign wanted to first place on record that we reject the media-manufactured ultimatum that has been the topic of so much attention.

“We do not negotiate in the press and, as such, wanted to clarify our position. The People’s Campaign and the BTUC [Bermuda Trade Union Congress] presented the government with a letter on July 25, expressing the concerns and frustrations of many Bermudians in respect to the handling of the PRC issue.

“We went on to state that we thought it reasonable to expect a ‘response’ from the government, not a ‘resolution’ within seven days. This we felt was a reasonable expectation. In light of the subsequent escalation of rhetoric and the increased tensions, the People’s Campaign took the initiative to reach out to the Premier with a view toward issuing a shared statement that would assure the people of Bermuda that their voices have been heard and the Government is prepared to engage in a discussion of all of the issues related to this matter.

“It is our hope that this first step in good faith will assure the people that there is a serious effort to resolve this matter for the good of the people and the country.”

Mr Dunkley said: “As promised, I have commenced discussions with my colleagues regarding the letter received from the People’s Campaign last Friday. A formal response will be issued and it is anticipated that a meeting to discuss the matter with the People’s Campaign principals will be held.”

Last week, The Royal Gazette reported that following a People’s Campaign march on the Cabinet Building, Bermuda Industrial Union president Chris Furbert told the crowd: “Reverend [Nicholas] Tweed has now presented a document to the Premier. He gave an undertaking that he was going to look at it and he’ll get back to us.

“But I’ll say this to you. This is just phase one and I want you to pay attention because this is just phase one and phase two can be completely different to this phase here. Take that to the bank. Stay tuned for part two.”

Asked by one member of the crowd what he meant by a second phase, Mr Furbert said: “We’re waiting for a response from the Premier. After that response comes, that will dictate phase two. We expect a response within seven days.”

Friday’s march was sparked by the Government reversing a decision to appeal a recent court judgement paving the way for PRC holders who arrived here before July 31, 1989 to apply for Bermudian status.