The Premier was under fire last night for not being present to hear workers' grievances at one of the largest demonstrations in the Island's history.

Dr. Ewart Brown emerged outside the House of Assembly only after Labour Minister Senator David Burch had had to face the criticism and anger of each union leader at the way Government has rejected two binding Arbitration Awards.

Ed Ball Jr, Bermuda Public Services Union general secretary, said the Premier's absence was something which was "noted by the workers".

"It was noted that Colonel Burch was standing by himself and it was our understanding the Premier was in the House but his presence was not felt," said Mr. Ball.

Yesterday, on the weblog 'Catch A Fire', demonstrator Johnathan Starling wrote: "As I understand it Dr. Brown went into hiding and didn't bother showing his face, leaving the Minister of Labour, Col. Burch, to bear the brunt of the anger.

"As we left to return to our respective HQs for a quick debrief we left sentries around the House of Assembly.

"Dr. Brown emerged after the bulk, say 95 percent of the workers had left. As news of this snub went through us on our way back, all I can say is that Dr. Brown's credibility took a distinct plunge. "While he may have been met by boos had he shown up, people were calling to egg him the next time for this snub.

"He is now regarded as a coward, and many in the crowd, including Party members were openly calling him a national disgrace. Others were calling for his immediate resignation and a general strike to bring him down. His snub will be well remembered and not easily forgiven.

"What happens now? That's up to Government."

"If they want a general strike, they'll get one. We are ready for it, and we have the support of the people," said Mr. Starling.

When the Premier did arrive, most of the union leaders had dispersed. Dr. Brown told the assembled media he was "disappointed" at the demonstration, but added: "I believe a resolution (to the BPSU and Bermuda Police Association disputes) is not far away."

"I am looking forward to a time when we can have harmony with respect to labour relations," he said. "My job is to make sure the labour environment in Bermuda is positive. "I'm disappointed at the frequency of which we see people expressing their discontent about the labour environment."

"I feel responsible and because I feel responsible, we will respond in creative ways. But we will not continue to have a 'negative' environment in Bermuda."

"I don't want money to be an issue, I want performance to be an issue and we won't get there until people feel they have an equitable place in the workplace."

Dr. Brown said: "We are going to take some creative steps. I am disappointed we are in a situation like this but I believe this can be resolved. And I don't want a Band-Aid fix on this, there's got to be a long term fix."

Asked whether Government would award the BPA and BPSU their pay awards, Dr. Brown said: "I believe the issue is not just about money, there are other issues out here and that's what we will do."

However, neither the Premier or Senator Burch could provide further details on the "creative ways" yesterday. Among the unions, representatives described the demonstration as "very successful".

Mr. Ball, for the BPSU, said: "There were no incidents. People were orderly and then dispersed peacefully and went back to work."

Inspector Darrin Simons, lead BPA negotiator, said: "The fact that about 5,000 people turned up in support far exceeded any of our expectations.

"We don't want to go on strike. It's not our intention to compromise public safety. Ours is a noble profession and we will act nobly. I am hopeful we can implement this Award."

Vice chairman of the Bermuda Police Association (BPA) Nicholas Pedro called the turnout "truly impressive and stunning".

In a brief speech to the assembled Police officers in the street outside Hamilton Police Station after the demonstration, Chairman of the BPA Carl Neblett told his fellow officers that the positive reaction of the crowd "says a hell of a lot about the public perception". "We're like a soda bottle that's been shaken and shaken and shaken," said negotiator for the BPA Darrin Simons. "This show of solidarity, along with making a demonstration, allowed us to release pressure in an organised way."

The Royal Gazette asked the Premier's Press Secretary Glenn Jones why Dr. Brown was not present to hear the unions grievances yesterday.

Mr. Jones said last night: "The Premier read a Ministerial Statement in the House of Assembly this morning. After the Premier fulfilled that responsibility he went out to see the demonstrators. "The House of Assembly typically does not halt its proceedings when there is a demonstration outside.

"The Government Caucus arranges its schedule of Ministerial Statements when it meets on Wednesdays. This past Wednesday I don't think the Caucus would have had the luxury of knowing a demonstration was coming on Friday.

"Since Minister Burch does not sit in the House of Assembly, today's schedule of Ministerial Statements did not cause a similar conflict for him."