Over 60 students marched to the House of Assembly to ask for transparency and accountability in Government yesterday.

Meanwhile politicians from both sides praised the young people for getting involved in politics. The students assembled at the Cenotaph in front of the Cabinet building at noon draped in Bermudian flags and carrying placards before making their way up to the House of Assembly.

When Premier Dr. Ewart Brown descended the steps of the House, he was greeted by teens waving placards with slogans such as ‘Listen to the people, listen to the future’, ‘Today we march, tomorrow we vote’ and ‘Corruption is illegal’ as he left the House of Assembly as well as a few shouts of abuse from some adults.

Meanwhile spokeswoman Stephanie Smith, 17, read a statement on behalf of the group. She said: “Over the past few weeks we and hundreds of other young Bermudians have been shocked by the events that have transpired on this Island. On June 7 after hearing that the Premier, the honourable Dr. Ewart Brown had threatened to suspend relations with the Governor, his Excellency Sir John Vereker, we decided that the duty fell on us as young people to let our voices be heard.

She continued: “Although we are not yet eligible to vote we believe that you are never too young to make a difference. We would like to stress that we have not aligned ourselves with any political party and are non-partisan group,” which drew mutterings from some of the assembled adults.

“We are not representatives of any race but the human race. As young people all we ask for is accountability, transparency and integrity in our Government. We have questions and we want answers. We want honesty and stability in our future.

“We want a Government that makes decisions based on consultation with the people. We want to be able to inherit an Island that is prosperous and secure.

“We hope that the Bermudian youth who are not present today will catch the flame of our passion and be compelled to take actions we have done today, by questioning the actions of our leaders and asking that they remember that they are the trustees of our future.”

The protest was organised by Luisa Olander, Erin Jackson, Stephanie Smith, Christie O’Doherty and Annefa Burke after they saw overwhelming interest on a Facebook group they started. Facebook is an online community popular with the Island’s youth.

The group, and protest, were formed after recent events involving a leaked Police document, which was allegedly stolen, and makes allegations of corruption in the Government.

The members are also against Independence and were concerned that some of Dr. Brown’s statements in the last few weeks hinted that Bermuda was being pushed down the road to Independence.

Dr. Brown addressed the crowd, which swelled to over 100 people though some were just spectators and were not protesting.

He said: “First let me say I am absolutely delighted when young people are interested in and passionate about the politics of their country. I think its positive for a country when young people become involved.

“I too am against corruption inside and outside of the Government.

“However, I am a supporter of Independence so on that we will have to agree to disagree.

“This (the protest) a true indication that democracy is alive and well in Bermuda and I am grateful that this is a non-partisan event.”

Opposition leader Mr. Dunkley also addressed the students and commended them for their bravery and action in organising the march.

He said: “My challenge (to the young people) is to stay involved. One march does nothing to change what happens on the Island. We have to be held accountable as after all we get paid to represent you. Keep up the good fight.”

Students attending the event said they were proud with the number of people who showed up and said they were spurred into action because of concerns about their future and a desire to get answers.

After party leaders finished their addresses, Senator Davida Morris also applauded the group and said she was happy to see young people involved in politics and agreed that corruption was wrong.

Members of the Progressive Minds — the youth wing of the PLP — told the students they should have more information and question what sources they were basing their views on.The only sour note of the event was that while students remained respectful throughout the protest, adults for and against the cause were less dignified.