A summer of discontent is a sign of a healthy democracy, Premier Michael Dunkley said this week.

But he warned that Government would not be swayed “by veiled threats about escalation and intimidation”.

“That doesn’t roll with me,” he said. “I will certainly listen to people and take their concerns on board — if everybody agreed I would be more concerned because that means they’re not telling me the truth and there’s something below the surface.”

Mr Dunkley added that the economic slump the Island had faced had contributed to unease.

“Look at it against the backdrop of what we face. I understand very clearly there are many people who are struggling in Bermuda and looking for a job.

“People are getting frustrated — when we’re under these circumstances people get more frustrated than they would if everything was going well.....I get that.”

And he added he was “comfortable” with people expressing a range of opinion.

“I have no problem with people marching — the marches have been responsible and conducted in a good manner,” he said.

Mr Dunkely was speaking after a series of demonstrations over the summer, several by the People’s Campaign for Justice and Equality, including a rally outside Queen Elizabeth Park in Hamilton to demand that Government close a loophole allowing applications for Bermuda status from PRC holders and for a full review of the process for granting status.

Last month an estimated 2,000 people marched on Government House in an Opposition PLP-led demonstration to protest at a decision by Governor George Fergusson to reject a motion passed by the House of Assembly calling for a Commission of Inquiry into historic land grabs.

Mr Dunkley said the People’s Campaign had been “straight with me” and he had been in regular contact with its leaders.

“That’s a foundation for growth and progress and we will continue to build on those foundations,” he said.

“We will get through our challenges if we conduct ourselves in a manner where voices can be heard in a respectful way.

“We’re not only a local business jurisdiction, but an international business jurisdiction and people watch us very closely.

“The world can judge us based on a strong, vibrant democracy and when people complain, they get results.”

But he added: “Some in the PLP and their supporters need to recognise that in December 2012 the Government changed by the will of the people.

“We will govern in the most appropriate way and make decisions. There will be many decisions made where the Opposition and its supporters will not agree with us, but that’s democracy.”

Mr Dunkley said the pace of economic recovery was slower than he wanted — but insisted there was light at the end of the tunnel. We didn’t get into this mess overnight and we won’t get out of it overnight.

“The pace of progress is not good enough, but people can be assured that I am working with my colleagues seven days a week to try and turn this economy around and get things going.

“The pace could pick up very quickly, very shortly.”

Mr Dunkley said the potential for a new hotel in St George’s would provide a jump start for the economy.

“That’s a big project and could have a great impact on Bermuda and more specifically on the east end.”

And he said the America’s Cup would have “a huge impact” on Bermuda “from one end of the Island to the other”.

“The pace is not as quick as I’d like to see, but it’s going to pick up.

“When we have to really pick up our game and deliver and have deadlines to meet, the people of Bermuda will make things happen.”