US political and civil rights activist Al Sharpton this morning expressed his support of Premier Ewart Brown’s decision to bring four former Guantánamo detainees to the Island.

At a press conference with Dr. Brown, Rev. Sharpton stated: “We must raise the nature of our discussion above and beyond politics. I am firmly with Bermuda but was never more proud — to take the risk to be right and that should be encouraged by all nations.”

Dr. Brown’s decision to accept the four Uighurs without consulting Britain, sparked public protests with one demonstration drawing 1,500 protesters. Members of his own party complained he had left the Cabinet in the dark while the Opposition denounced his autocratic leadership style and tabled a no-confidence motion. The motion failed on Friday after a 14-hour debate which saw the Progressive Labour Party MPs votes along party lines. However, Dr. Brown faced fierce criticism for his secretive handling of the move. Cabinet Minster Dale Butler resigned immediately after the vote.

Rev. Sharpton called Dr. Brown last week and expressed his support for the Premier’s humanitarian gesture. He added that after Dr. Brown’s gesture, other nations such as Portugal have followed Bermuda’s lead and have pledged to accept other Uighurs still in Guantánamo.

Rev. Sharpton would not be drawn on why his own country did not accept the Uighurs saying he was not in Bermuda to discuss his views on American politics.

"If you come out of the ghetto, like I did, you worry afterwards whose mess it was and how it was cleaned up. The main thing is to get the mess cleaned up," he said.

While in Bermuda he met with spiritual leaders to discuss the morality of the decision. Later today Rev. Sharpton will meet the Uighurs.

For the full story see tomorrow’s edition of The Royal Gazette.