A group is calling on voters to rally together to ensure Premier Ewart Brown is forced to resign his post.

The Bermudians is to hold an event this Saturday it has billed as 'A Picnic for Change'.

The organisation first held a protest at Parliament in June, to protest Dr. Brown's controversial decision to resettle Guantánamo detainees without consulting his Cabinet, the Governor or UK authorities.

Committee members are now asking Bermudians to attend a gathering at Astwood Park in Warwick to discuss what more can be done.

"Many Bermudians have written, called and stopped us in the street to inquire what is the next step in the process," said member Janice Battersbee. "We have come to realise what an unprecedented event came about on June 16th and with the ensuing rallies.

"And having witnessed the fallout since then, i.e. the defeat of the Gaming Bill, the resignations of former Ministers [Dale] Butler, [Randy] Horton and [Terry] Lister, and the turmoil within the United Bermuda Party, we and the Bermudian public as a whole are conscious of a rebirth of hope the feeling that change will actually come. So with the inspiration of the Bermudian public, and as promised, we will not rest until we reach our goal, a new Premier of Bermuda, we will continue to bring the people together in a unified protest."

The campaigner said she turned political as a result of feeling "disrespected" and "deceived" by the Premier. She said she was certain others felt the same but were less willing to speak publicly.

"There have been so many people who have expressed that they are so ready for a new Premier," she said. "I would venture to say that one in 15 people that I speak with have not had their fill of the current leadership. I only wish they would express it publicly.

"We have no idea how many people will come out in support of September 26th, but we would hope that the numbers would be comparable or even exceed those of our June demonstrations. There is a fear in our Island, in this day and age, that has such a stranglehold on individuals, that as much as they wish they could speak out, they won't. Unfortunately, this hampers our cause. I say 'hampers' and not defeats, because we will not be silent. We will continue with our cause."

She continued: "I wish Bermuda would realise how many of us there are, how strong we are and when we raise our voices as one, the powers that be MUST listen. We don't have to be individuals....we can really make a change if we stand together. The Bermudians are willing to lead the charge, but we need the army behind us...in Letters to the Editor with actual names, with calls to the talk shows, with calling their MPs, with attendance at gatherings and getting involved, with a message to the PLP that we demand better governance. We continue to state that we aren't looking for a change in Government, just a change in the leader. We can set an example to the rest of the world if we would only stand together. If that were to happen, we would have a change of leadership."

Two speakers are scheduled for this weekend's event Larry Burchall and Maria A. Seaman of Shekinah Worship Centre. In addition, Mrs. Battersbee and fellow committee member Erica Rance-Cariah will offer their words of encouragement.

Since June, The Bermudians has gained a handful of committed members and is continuously growing, Mrs. Battersbee added. There will be sign-up sheets at Saturday's event for volunteers interested in helping. Persons who attend 'Picnic for Change' are asked to bring their own blankets, chairs and picnic baskets. The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Astwood Park.

Added Mrs. Battersbee: "We look forward to a wonderful turnout and again, appreciate all the support we have received."