Protesters chanted their opposition to immigration reform as the House of Assembly reopened yesterday after the Christmas break.

Moments after new Progressive Labour Party MP Diallo Rabain was sworn in, a crowd of people in the viewing gallery stood and began shouting “No to the OBA immigration reform” before leaving of their own accord. PLP MPs stomped their feet in apparent support of the action as those involved left the chamber.

The incident comes a week after Minister of Home Affairs Michael Fahy unveiled new pathways for those seeking Bermuda status and Permanent Resident’s Certificates.

The changes would allow those who live in Bermuda for 15 years to apply for permanent residency and those who have held permanent residency for 20 years to seek Bermudian status.

While Senator Fahy said the changes are necessary to bring immigration rules in line with international standards and to deal with the shrinking population, opponents have labelled the move a desperate effort by the One Bermuda Alliance to gain votes.

PLP backbencher Walton Brown called for civil disobedience in the wake of the announcement.

“The Government clearly has no intention on having a collaborative approach on one of the most contentious issues,” he said.

“If the minister seeks to throw the gauntlets down to the Bermuda public, he will get an appropriate response.”

Lynne Winfield, of anti-racism group Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda, said the move would further disenfranchise struggling black Bermudians, noting the history of using immigration as a means of boosting the white voting population.

Senator Fahy, however, told The Royal Gazette that it was “absurd” to suggest that the Government knew how those who would be entitled to apply for status under the changes would vote.