Shadow Justice Minister Mark Pettingill yesterday blasted Government for causing yesterday's historic demonstration by "turning its back" on Police officers.

And Mr. Pettingill said protesters' message to Labour Minister David Burch — turning their backs as soon as he started to speak — was a fitting way to show their contempt for the way they believe they have been treated.

"I have been moved by the history that was made on the grounds of this House today — a history that one wouldn't have expected to bear witness to in my respectful view," said the lawyer in an impassioned speech in yesterday's Motion to Adjourn in the House of Assembly.

"A day in which a large contingent of the Bermuda Police Service, in a show of solidarity and frustration and concern, took it upon themselves to march to this place to reflect, one has to assume, their protest with regard to their treatment at the hands of this Government."

"What occurred with regard to the most moving thing today, for me, was when hundreds of people, hundreds of people, that gathered here, not only in protest of their own situation, but also in support of those fine officers as they marched past this House, stood with thunderous applause as they marched past this House."

"It was a moment of pride to see that public reaction, but it certainly was a moment of sorrow to see that we have been reduced to that state of affairs, where Police officers had no other course but to partake in a peaceful protest and demonstration of their situation."

"To stand and then turn their backs to the Minister when he began to speak sent a message in my view that was resounding to this Government."

"They stood and turned their backs when the Minister responded to them, began to speak, in a show of their rejection of what he had to say on behalf of this Government."

"They turned their backs because they feel that the backs of this Government have been turned on them."

He added: "And I regret to say it's shameful, shameful, the manner in which those officers ... shameful across the board that they should be three years out of contract; shameful across the board that they should be coming on bended knee: 'Please can you help us?'"

Junior Labour Minister Walter Roban then spoke, describing Mr. Pettingill's speech as "histrionics", and saying that the Progressive Labour Party continues to be a labour government.

Mr. Roban also pointed to a demonstration which took place when the United Bermuda Party was in power. "We respect the right of any worker to make their voice heard, tell Government how they feel about any matter," he said. "To suggest that this was unprecedented is far from the truth. 1981. Perhaps the member was too young to see it or wasn't here."

At this point Mr. Pettingill called out that he was too young.

Mr. Roban continued: "I would say that members stay tuned because this Government is committed to seeing matters resolved to the benefit of all those concerned."