Following two weeks of soul-searching in the wake of a shooting murder which has rocked the Island, yesterday's Labour Day celebrations gave Bermuda's people the chance to show their solidarity remains unbroken.

Hundreds of workers paraded through town as families stood at the roadside to cheer them on, before a series of rousing speeches — calling for Islanders to stand together — drew loud applause from the crowd at Pembroke's Bernard Park.

The march along Hamilton's streets from Union Square to the park brought the surprising sight of United Bermuda Party politicians mingling amid a sea of Progressive Labour Party green, with political differences seemingly cast aside for the day.

Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley opened his speech by explaining that he — along with his predecessor Wayne Furbert, Shadow Sports Minister Jon Brunson and party chairman Shawn Crockwell — had decided to walk alongside PLP marchers to show support for Acting Premier Paula Cox.

"We marched together. I quite enjoyed that march," Mr. Dunkley told the crowd.

"All of us in the United Bermuda Party are trying to join hands with the Government to stop the madness in the community. It will only continue if we allow it to continue."

Calling for "right-thinking people" to stand up and be counted, he said: "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to stop the talk and walk the walk."

Mr. Dunkley also spoke of the "proud history" of the labour movement in Bermuda.

"It is a history that has helped to roll back barriers and to break down prejudice. It is a history that has helped broaden understandings and recognition among people. It is a history that has contributed to the strength and economic prosperity of the Island," he said.

The killing of 25-year-old national team footballer Shaki Crockwell — whose body was found at the Railway Trail, Devonshire, late on Friday, August 24 — was a common theme throughout the afternoon's speeches, with Ms Cox issuing a rallying call for Bermuda to wipe out the criminal element.

Using the significance of Labour Day, with this year's theme of the family, to hammer home her message, Ms Cox declared: "This Labour Day is not about image or pretty speeches or even gentle electioneering, but it is about whether we have the strength, the judgment, the weight and idea to decide that as a people's labour movement we are ready to hold up our hands and say enough already."

Ms Cox was speaking in the absence of Premier Ewart Brown, who was off the Island on a break.

Bermuda Industrial Union leader Chris Furbert said: "You have some people who can't go from one parish to another; can't come to the City of Hamilton. That's against their constitutional right.

"You have people saying to young men and women: 'You can't come to the City of Hamilton because, if you do, someone is going to get you.'

"It's time for us to involve Government, the Opposition and come together and sit down with a plan and talk to those individuals about a way forward."

Mr. Furbert also spoke of the importance of mutual respect between bosses and workers.

"Whether the employer has a point of view, of the union has a point of view, each of our points of view has to be respected," he said.

With Labour and Immigration Minister Derrick Burgess away on personal business, former Labour Minister Randolph Horton took his place to deliver a speech, stating: "Labour Day is, and must be, an expression of pride. Pride in the tremendous contributions working men and women have made, and continue to make, to the health and wealth of our cherished Island home.

"Pride in the dignity of labour. Pride in our jobs. Pride in our skills."

The Minister singled out PLP MP Ottiwell Simmons for praise for his many years service as BIU leader, ushering Mr. Simmons briefly to his feet to accept a generous round of applause.

Earlier, hundreds of people had lined the streets in the sun to show their support for the parade.

Members of a host of union branches waved placards with messages like "United We Stand, Divided We Fall", while majorettes and Gombeys provided their usual sparkle, colour and noise.

Elaine Mouchette, a taxi driver from Devonshire who joined in the march, said: "It's a very good turnout. I'm here to show my support. I've been a big union person in all the jobs I've had. All workers should stick together. Solidarity is the way to go."

Earl Bailey, from Sandys, who watched the parade pass through Front Street, said: "It's the workers' day. Workers have rights."

Tourists Joe Houck and his wife Linda Bowman, from Colorado, America, were unsure what time the parade would start, so they arrived in Front Street at 9 a.m., three hours early.

"It was worth getting up for. In the States, we don't have Labour Day parades," said Mr. Houck.

Pointing to the Gombey dancers, Ms Bowman said: "I don't know who they are, but those guys are great."

Rupert and Gaynell Smith brought their deck chairs with them from St. George's so they could watch the parade in comfort in Church Street.

"It's all right but there's not as many people as previous years," said Mrs. Smith.

Entertainment at Bernard Park included Hott radio presenter Thaao Dill, a choir and a man using a leaf to blow A Whole New World by Elton John.