Picnics with the Premier could become commonplace now that members of the public will be invited to the Cabinet Office lawn.

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown announced that he would be inviting various groups to join him for lunch outside on Thursdays to encourage open discussion. And while the public will have to bring their own brown bag lunches the Premier will provide lemonade and ice cream for his guests.

Dr. Brown said: “The best way for people to understand each other is through a conversation — it’s that simple. These lunches are all about conversations.

“If someone has a question for me, I hope to have the answer. And if I don’t, I can make plans to get back to them. I want people to know they have direct access to the Premier’s Office.”

The picnics will be an extension of his ‘open door’ policy which has seen people make appointments to speak with the Premier about various issues on Thursday afternoons.

Dr. Brown said he believed these meetings were important and had met with people who opposed him as well as those that agreed with his decisions. Yesterday, he met with Larry Marshall, Sr. who founded Bermudians Against the Draft to listen to his arguments against conscription.

“Although his views are different than mine I think he deserves the same access to the Premier’s Office as a citizen who agrees with me. If the conversation can be intelligent and mutually respectful, I will listen. My time today with Mr. Marshall was very constructive.”

His press secretary explained: “Each week, as the Premier’s schedule allows, members of a specific group will be invited to join him for an outdoor picnic style lunch. The inaugural week, for example, might consist of small business owners. The second week might consist of recent high school graduates. About two dozen people will be invited for each lunch and a different group of people will be asked to join Premier Brown each time.”

The picnics will begin on July 26. To request a picnic with the Premier members of the public must contact Dr. Brown’s Chief of Staff, Sen. Wayne Caines, who is responsible organising the meetings.