Opposition MP Walton Brown has urged Government to “listen to a voice of reason”, after chanting protesters shut down Wednesday’s meeting on immigration reform.

Michael Fahy, Minister of Home Affairs, accused Mr Brown of instigating the disturbance in Hamilton, calling the move “completely and utterly undemocratic”.

However, Mr Brown, who had earlier called for an act of “civil disobedience” on Facebook in response to the “b******t” new proposals, denied being a ringleader for the unrest.

“That protest reflected the sentiment of a growing segment of the community,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“I don’t speak on behalf of the people; the people speak for themselves.”

Some of those who interrupted the meeting shared their motives with this newspaper [see separate story]. At the public information session, held at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity’s hall, Senator Fahy attempted to explain the controversial Pathways to Status plan.

Under the new guidelines, those who have lived in Bermuda for 15 years could apply for permanent residency, and those who have a permanent residency certificate (PRC), having lived on the island for 20 years, could seek Bermudian status.

Owing to the continued cacophony created by the protesters, who are fearful of how the changes would affect current citizens, Senator Fahy ended the meeting prematurely on the advice of the Bermuda Police Service.

This followed from a similar demonstration at the House of Assembly last Friday.

Mr Brown rubbished Sen Fahy’s suggestion that the dissenters had employed a “bully tactic” to get their voice heard.

“The only ones engaged in bullying tactics are the senator and the One Bermuda Alliance government,” Mr Brown said.

“There have been repeated and sustained calls for calmer heads to prevail, for a collaborative, bipartisan approach, and they have repeatedly rejected that.”

Mr Brown pressed for the “comprehensive reform of a distorted immigration policy”, one which he said denied Bermudians work opportunities and gave a “special place of privilege to rich white men”.

He denied that xenophobia was an underlying factor behind the protesters’ motives.

“Anyone wishing to characterise this as xenophobic seemingly does not understand what the objectives are,” he said.

“Any sensible government will have a series of quotas in place on people coming into a country.”

As well as calling for a “humanitarian” approach, to ensure families aren’t fragmented by red tape, Mr Brown said he remained open to collaborative legislation.

“The opportunity is always there, but the ball is truly in the Government’s court to act responsibly,” he added.

“The Government has been completely and utterly insensitive to this deeply divisive issue. The public are concerned; their concern is growing and they will act accordingly.

“It’s important for the One Bermuda Alliance to step back from its unilateral positions. I am always open to have a rational discussion to create rational policies with rational people who care about Bermuda.”