Five teenagers have planned a protest against the political path they feel the Island is heading down. And they hope to show that Bermuda’s young adults are not apathetic when it comes to politics.

The girls plan to greet MPs as they emerge from the House of Assembly for their lunch break on Friday with a peaceful protest over allegations of corruption and their belief that Bermuda is being pushed down the road towards independence.

They stressed that they are bi-partisan but were compelled to protest after reading about recent events revolving around the claims made in an allegedly stolen police dossier into allegations of corruption.

While only 16 and 17, Luisa Olander, Erin Jackson, Steph Hollis-Smith, Christie O’Doherty and Annefa Burke said they felt they had to do something because they were concerned about their future and the future of the Island.

Their protest evolved from a Facebook group, a popular online community among the Island’s youth. The group was created on June 7 after Premier Ewart Brown threatened to suspend dealings with the Governor if he did not act to catch the people who leaked the police file to the media.

Since then, as the BHC saga has continued, more than 400 people have joined the group - though some of the members are against the premise.

Ms Jackson explained that the group formed because: “We will not accept ‘unethical behaviour’ rin from any political party.

“We’re not directly protesting against any specific events, although recent developments pertaining to the BHC report, including gagging the press and the arrest of the Auditor General have ignited our passion and impelled us to protest.”

Ms O’Doherty, said: “What we are concerned about is having an accountable Government and the future of Bermuda. We want to inherit an Island that is stable and prosperous.

“But we want to make one thing clear, we are not anti-PLP. This has nothing to do with people’s political persuasion.

“If the UBP were saying and doing what the Government are currently doing we would be protesting as well.”

Ms Burke said: “We want students and young adults and anyone else interested to come out and show politicians that we are paying attention to what is happening and are very worried about what we are hearing.”

While Ms Olander, said: “It’s scary to hear that the Cayman Islands are calling us a police state. We are the ones that will be coming back to the Island looking for jobs so we care about what is happening.

“It is also interesting because a lot of our friends will speak out on Facebook but may not actually show up. The passion is there but the motivation to act does not seem to be.

“And that is something we need to change. We need people to see that our generation is serious.”

Ms O’Doherty added: “It’s important for people to realise that 18 is an important age, yes you get to drink in bars but you also get to vote. We want our peers to show that we should be taken seriously as voters.”

The protest will begin at 12 p.m. at the Cenotaph in front of the Cabinet Building on Front Street and make its way to the House of Assembly on Court Street. It will last an hour and has been timed to coincide with the MP’s lunch hour.

The girls obtained a permit for the protest because they have high hopes that many people from all ages, races and political groups, will be compelled to join them.

The students also hope that the leaders of both parties will address them.The girls’ protest could also decide another thing - if the popularity of people debating politics on Facebook transcends to political action.

There are 3,400 people on Facebook’s Bermuda network and invites to social and political events pop up everyday, along with groups formed for political parties and debate forums.

Currently the girls’ group is the largest political one on the Island with more than 400 members, and debates take place daily on their forum.

One would expect, with the popularity of the group, a large number of people will show up on Friday - but the girls said they have yet to gauge whether their online support will equal people actually turning up.

The reach of Facebook on the Island has prompted politicians to join as well. The Premier was the first and Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley wasn’t far behind him. Groups supporting both men and parties have also sprung up. Facebook has also afforded the youth another opportunity to engage politicians. On Friday, Dr. Brown is hosting an “Open Mic with the Premier” at Greg’s Steak House from 6.15 pm.m until 8.15 p.m.

Dr. Brown said he decided to hold the event after a 21-year-old Yale University student asked him on Facebook if he would be holding a town hall meeting this summer, for students who missed him on the his North American university tour.

Teens organise protest