The People’s Campaign has compared its movements with that of the civil rights campaign, vowing to “continue to fight against the oppressive system in Bermuda that creates social and economic injustices”.

In a statement, the activist group criticised economist Robert Stewart for comparing its tactics to those centered on Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals, saying his comments display “extreme intellectual paucity”.

The People’s Campaign said a more fitting comparison would be to that of the civil rights movement and the Poor People’s Campaign led by Martin Luther King.

Drawing parallels between the conditions of the people who he fought for and those that exist in Bermuda today, they included: “The growing gap between rich and poor, rising inequality, and the creation of a permanent underclass shut out from economic participation gave birth to the People’s Campaign.”

The group defended its actions during the protests of December 2 saying that to promote the claim that they had provoked officers to attack “unarmed, nonviolent protesters” were “appalling”.

“This critic, and those who share his views, fit an historical trend and serve as agents to those who are opposed to the ideals of economic equality and social justice in their efforts to delegitimise movements like the People’s Campaign.

“Furthermore, attempts to paint basic ideals of equality, jobs, and justice as radical, anti-Bermudian and contrary to the advancement of all Bermudians is a deliberate tactic designed to diminish a message that resonates with people of good will who aspire to realise the noble principles of justice and equality.”

They spoke about a hypocrisy among those who say “the world is watching” when black people demand justice and equality, “yet remain silent when black Bermudians endure racism, social dislocation, poverty, inequality, and face unprovoked attack from fully armor-clad riot police and pepper spray.”