Hundreds of people staged a peaceful protest at Parliament Hill yesterday as the country awaited the results of a vote of no confidence in the Premier.

It was the second demonstration in four days against Dr. Ewart Brown, whom organisers accuse of autocratic and dictatorial-style leadership.

Police estimate up to 1,500 people attended the House of Assembly rally at noon, to protest "the lack of proper leadership by our Premier, the Hon. Dr. Ewart Brown".

However, the angry chants of Tuesday's demonstration were absent as organisers appealed for unity and calm.

Erica Rance-Cariah said: "We would like to open today with just a word to anybody out there who feels anger or hate in their hearts. Please leave now because that is not what this is all about."

Insults were allegedly traded on Tuesday between demonstrators and Progressive Labour Party (PLP) supporters in a counter-protest. PLP spokesman Wentworth Christopher claimed the "harsh names" had included "the N word".

Dr. Brown, in an interview with Hott 107.5, went on to say the protest had stemmed from whites' anger at loss of privilege, while radio host Thaao Dill, a PLP Senator, expressed concern at the large number of whites present.

Yesterday, a placard reading: 'Hate 107.5 FM Where white people really don't count' was the only visible expression of racial tension.

Blacks and whites congregated outside the Sessions House to display banners and listen to the speakers. There was a moment of silence and hundreds also joined hands in prayer as Reverend Dr. Maria Seaman said: "Let us leave this place knowing that we have walked in unity and in love."

Protest co-organiser Janice Battersbee stressed the issue was not about race but "democracy".

A lifelong PLP supporter, she told The Royal Gazette the demonstration was not only against the Premier's failure to consult Cabinet and the UK over the resettlement of four Guantanamo detainees in Bermuda, but "an accumulation of leadership decisions".

Mrs. Battersbee told demonstrators: "Our democracy is at risk and our voices must be heard and our message must be clear.

"Over the last four days, we have seen a rebirth of Bermudian pride as the process of democracy was rekindled.

"The one comment that has come back to us over and over again is 'I am once again proud to be a Bermudian'.

"A phrase that many have said they have not spoken in a long time. And we owe this rebirth to each and every one of you who has the courage and strength to stand shoulder to shoulder with your brother and sister in a mighty show of unity today.

"There are those who have tried to shed a negative light on our purpose and they will try again, but your presence here today is proving them wrong.

"Please understand that this has never been a movement to push the PLP out of power. This movement began with two women, Janice and Erica one black and one white who were upset enough with the lack of proper leadership by our Premier, the Hon. Dr. Ewart Brown, to move into action."

Mrs. Battersbee said: "As we know, there have been many controversial decisions made by our Premier over the last few years that lacked transparency and you have brought some of those issues to our remembrance.

"For example: the attempted forced retirement of the Head of the Civil Service Major Kenneth Dill; the controversial firing of LeYoni Junos; the granting of a record number of SDOs (Special Development Orders). And the list goes on.

"Our call continues to be that the Premier resign or that a vote of no confidence is successful. However, at the end of this day, we may in fact find that Bermuda will not have a new Premier.

"No matter what the outcome, if there is one thing that we have shown today, it is that the Bermudian people can and must visibly hold their Government accountable for every decision that is made.

"To our fellow Bermudians, we must no longer be silent and expect 'something to be done'. We must make a paradigm shift to the mindset which says 'I will do' and 'We will do'."

She said: "Remember, the issue is not black or white, the issue is wrong or right. The issue is not white or black, we just want good governance back.

"We remain committed and shall not rest until democracy has been restored to our Island home."

Dr. Brown's Chief of Staff Jamahl Simmons then made a brief appearance to tell demonstrators: "The Premier is very thankful you came out today. He understands why you are here."

Shortly before 1 p.m. the crowd began to disperse.

A Bermuda Police Service spokesman said: "No Police intervention was necessary and no arrests were made."

Mrs. Battersbee, co-organiser of the demonstration, told the crowd: "Our civil responsibility does not cease after we have cast our vote.

"To the Government of Bermuda, take note. Your electorate is no longer the electorate of yesterday, who tolerated the misbehaviour of previous governments.

"We will hold you accountable, we will question and we will demand answers.

"We must commit today to teach our children and learn ourselves about the democratic system of this country, about our laws and our Constitution.

"We must commit to support our brothers and sisters regardless of race or political affiliation.

"We must learn that we have every right to lawfully and respectfully stand up and express our displeasure without fear of reprisal."

Afterwards she said: "I am very happy with the response today, and the respect and peace which were shown. I am thankful to everyone who came out."

Asked whether more demonstrations were planned, she said: "That's to be decided."