Bermudians for Referendum was unable last week to present a petition containing hundreds of signatures to Premier Alex Scott because many of its key organisers are leaving the Island on vacation.

Now the group is expected to hand in the petition at the Sepember 14 Cabinet Office meeting.

BFR organiser Michael Marsh and his non-political organisation were scheduled to meet the Premier at Cabinet Office last Thursday.

But the Belco fire meant the meeting was postponed.

Mr. Marsh said the Islandwide blackout meant the BFR was unable to make required photocopies of the petition, as well as get other vital information. Mr. Marsh said BFR asked for a re-scheduled meeting on Thursday but the decision to go ahead with the presentation was clouded by uncertainty over the length of the blackout.

Mr. Marsh said his organisation had secured 1,408 signatures and was well on the way to securing its goal of 20,000, more than half of registered voters.

Many founding and key members, including Mr. Marsh, are going away or are already on vacation. It was felt by the BFR that all of its members should be on the Island to present the petition.

Last night Mr. Marsh told The Royal Gazette the Cabinet Office had invited the BFR to attend its September 14 meeting.