Two days after it was announced Bermuda Day will be changed to National Heroes Day, it appears Bermudians themselves are split over the idea.

Within hours of the announcement being made by Premier Ewart Brown, discussion groups on Facebook were launched with the majority disapproving of the change and people The Royal Gazette spoke to on the streets of Hamilton were also split on the change.

Meanwhile Leader of the Opposition, Michael Dunkley, said his party supported, and suggested, creating a day to honour Bermuda's heroes, but was disappointed the Government chose to replace another holiday in doing so.

"After Cup Match, Bermuda Day is perhaps the most anticipated holiday on the island," he said. "It is a day when we celebrate our heritage and our cultural diversity.

"It starts with the racing from Somerset, fitted dinghies on the water and culminates with a parade through the streets of Hamilton, all witnessed by thousands.

"The celebration of our culture and heritage is perfectly captured on that day in May. We believe that to supplant May 24th with a National Heroes Day, or even to layer it atop Bermuda Day, will dilute and diminish that cherished holiday.

"It is not acceptable and we urge the Government to settle on another day."

On the Facebook group, 'Save Bermuda Day', many spoke out against the move.

One user, Mandy Shailer, wrote: "This whole situation makes me so mad. May 24th was named 'Bermuda Day' to UNITE Bermuda following the 1977 riots. It's a day for ALL Bermudians.

"Now the PLP has yet again created a situation that will further divide us. I have no problem with recognising our heroes. I think its an important thing to do.

"But another day should have been chosen. How dare they change the ONE day aimed at celebrating our pride in being Bermudians! It's just wrong."

On Tuesday Dr. Brown announced that Dame Lois would be the first hero honoured. In addition to the holiday, the new Hamilton Police Station and court building will be named after her, and a bronze statue or bust of her will be created.

On the streets, Stephen Paul said: "Well, if I look at it from what Dame Lois Brown-Evans stood for in the community, I don't see it as a bad thing.

"At the same time, I would like to keep the logistics of it all. Keep it Heritage Day but still honour a person who has helped with the betterment of Bermudian people."

Quardel Matthews and Chris Johnson said the Government would have to specify which heroes are honoured and make the distinction between National Heroes Day and Bermuda Day.

Ke'Andre' Martin was upset at the change and said: "That's stupid! Why would you do that? It's been Bermuda Day for that long. Who's to say what heroes will be honoured? It's pointless.

"People are trying to do things that distract you from matters that are really important like housing."

Grant Hall said "I don't like it because 24th of May is a historical thing. People want to keep remembering things in the past that are distasteful.

"They should remember 24th of May because it is a tradition that represents out history and it's Queen Victoria's birthday".

Lorenzo Tucker said it was a good thing to honour Dame Lois because the current government is PLP and said if UBP get in power, they will honour her too.

CJ Bean and Darius Cox both disagreed with the change and said it should still be Bermuda Day because it's Heritage Day as well.