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BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Students are given food as cafe boycott continues

Boycott: Student Council vice president Stephen Lightbourne.

Bermuda College students continued a mass boycott of their campus cafeteria in a protest over prices for a second day yesterday.The hungry youngsters protesting against the Buzz cafe got given free food by a restaurateur who took pity on them.The boycott kicked off on Monday, amid complaints from students that it costs $12 to $15 just to get a panini and soda from Buzz following a price-hike at the venue.Student leaders have been fundraising in order to buy food for those participating in the boycott. Monday saw protesters tucking into pizza, but yesterday saw them munching on free macaroni and cheese, chicken, rice and vegetables, courtesy of the Rotisserie Grill.Walter Simmons, one of the Rotisserie’s owners, explained: “We weren’t looking for any publicity. It was just a gesture to help the students. It’s certainly no reflection on Buzz. We know how tough it is right now. If they had to put up their prices we fully understand. Food prices are going up everywhere.”Student council vice-president Stephen Lightbourne said: “It was well received and everyone was happy with all the delicious food. We’ve received lots of donations enough to carry on the boycott again tomorrow.”Students at the college have called on Buzz to offer more specials and discounts, and Buzz managers are due to meet with the college authorities to tomorrow.Buzz operates a string of cafes across the Island, and is in the second year of a two-year contract with the college. Managers have declined to comment on the protest ahead of the meeting, beyond saying it was called without warning.