Opposition leader Marc Bean launched an unofficial campaign for Independence on the grounds of Government House this evening, claiming it was time for Bermudians to become “the masters of our own destiny”.

An estimated 2,000 protesters met at the Langton Hill entrance to Government House at around 5.30pm, responding to calls by the Progressive Labour Party last week to demonstrate against a ruling by Governor George Fergusson. Mr Fergusson had earlier rejected a motion — presented by the PLP and passed in the House of Assembly — for Government House to set up a Commission of Inquiry into historic landgrabs.

This evening Mr Bean, flanked by fellow PLP MPs and Senators, led the good-natured crowd through the expansive grounds of Government House, accompanied by the sound of banging drums and cowbells. Some marchers carried placards with messages such as ‘Bermudians are treated like second class citizens’, and ‘They are stealing our land, now our voices. We must investigate’.

After arriving at a designated stopping point, Mr Bean mounted some steps before turning to address the hundreds of cheering supporters.

“Your desire for equality and justice and the restoration of democracy is evident by your presence here today,” Mr Bean told the crowd.

He then explained that the Opposition was ready to hand over an eight-page document to Deputy Governor Ginny Ferson, listing a catalogue of complaints against the Governor and his alleged “collusion” with the OBA Government in the last 18 months.

But he denied that the march was simply a symbolic gesture, urging the audience that, in order to achieve their democratic rights and “your rightful place in your own country”, they needed to “press forward’ with “willpower and desire”.

He added that Bermuda’s relationship with the UK “needed to evolve” and that the people needed to be ready to “compete against everyone else who is trying to marginalise you in your own country”.

Mr Bean said he hoped that the PLP’s dossier would be forwarded on to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

“And if we don’t get the required response from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, I am going to ask you to mobilise again until we do get the response,” he said to roars of approval.

“Let this be the start of us becoming the masters of our own destiny.”

After handing over the document to Mrs Ferson — who did not speak publicly — the crowd made its way back through the grounds, chanting: “The people, united, shall never be defeated.”