Government last night forced through its bill allowing funeral homes to operate limousines for mourners as at least three backbenchers pointedly absented themselves from the vote.

Bermuda Industrial Union president Derrick Burgess, veteran MP Reginald Burrows and taxi owner Elvin James all left the chamber before the roll call vote and returned afterwards following a contentious debate.

Their move narrowed the Government majority to 20-12 in a day marked by morning protests by cabbies and accusations -- later withdrawn -- by Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon that "somebody is getting paid somewhere'' for the move, which she said had come out of nowhere.

Full debate: Page 4 Earlier, Government MPs arriving for the morning session of the House had to run a gauntlet of orderly, but unhappy, taxi drivers.

Scores of taxis lined Parliament Street as an orderly crowd of cabbies gathered outside the House while MPs filed in for the morning session.

BIU taxi division president Neville Darrell told The Royal Gazette that contrary to some reports, the assembled drivers had no intention of picketing -- rather, they decided to gather outside the House to express their dissatisfaction about the proposed bill.

"We object to the bill about to be passed... we're not concerned about the one funeral home, but our main concern is the domino effect it would have on the industry,'' he said.

"This administration seems very insensitive (toward taxi drivers),'' he added.

Speaking to the crowd gathered outside the house, Mr. Darrell said: "We're not asking you to spend your entire morning here... we will get together again in the very near future.'' There was mixed reaction to the protest from Government MPs as they entered the House -- although members of the Opposition seemed largely in support of the taxi drivers.

But Mr. Darrell said he had received no indication that Government might consider changing its stance on the bill.

Shadow Minister for Works and Engineering Jim Woolridge was one of the first MPs entering the House for the morning session.

He called out to the assembled taxi drivers, "Well, you made it happen... I've been out there. I know how difficult it is to make a living, and you don't need this.'' When Mr. Darrell tried to stop House Speaker Stanley Lowe, he held him at bay, stating: "You can't talk to me (about this) because I can't be involved, I'm the Speaker.'' Mr. Darrell shook Government backbencher Delaey Robinson's hand as he mounted the steps and asked to speak with him.

Mr. Robinson said: "We've talked (already).'' To which Mr. Darrell responded: "So it's a waste of time for me to talk any further?'' But Mr. Robinson countered: "Remember those initiatives we talked about? You need to get out front with those initiatives because if someone else comes up with it, then your thunder is stolen.'' He later said plans to allow taxis to pick up bus passengers and accept bus tokens were being looked at as well as proposals to allow cab drivers to take more than one fare at a time.

Mr. Robinson told the crowd: "The onus is on the group gathered here... you have to do a Ghandi thing -- you have to have the right rationale, your hearts have to be in the right place...'' But Mr. Darrell interrupted, retorting: "Just make sure the PLP's heart is in the right place.'' Taxi protest Transport Minister Ewart Brown moved quickly through the crowd of disgruntled taxi drivers as he entered the building, and one man was heard to shout out "you're destroying 600 businessmen''.

Following the convening of the House, the taxi drivers left to drive their taxis around the block several times, blaring their horns in protest.

Alaine Whitter, secretary of the taxi division of the BIU, said many taxi operators were particularly frustrated because they feel their vehicle for negotiation -- the Taxi Advisory Committee -- was inadequate.

And she blamed TAC chairman Walton Brown, who she claimed was largely absent from meetings held since January.

Albert Swan, one of the drivers who had gathered outside for the protest, said he had come to "join the excuse-makers''.

"They're playing games with people's lives... there are very few men who can put themselves up as leaders in integrity, moral fortitude, a sense of justice and fair play -- and of these, few are prepared to accept the consequences of their actions,'' he added.

Mr. Swan said he has had a taxi licence for the past 30 years and has operated a taxi part-time for the past five years.

He claimed that during a 60-hour workweek, the average taxi driver was only making about $6.70 per hour.

And Joseph L. Repose, taxi owner for the past 20 years, said he supported the taxi drivers "100 percent''.

"I figure a man is trying to make a living, and I can't see bringing in limousines to be used as private cars,'' he said.

Dr. Brown said he thought the protest was a "wonderful display'' of the democratic process at work -- but said the protest had in no way changed his stance on the bill.

"I have a long and deep association with the protest movement, and I understand the passion associated with it,'' said Dr. Brown.

"I was so happy (to see the protest) -- this may be a catalyst, and I believe they're well on their way to organising themselves.''