Bermuda is at a “serious crossroads”, Jamahl Simmons warned yesterday at the latest immigration reform protest.

“Our culture and what makes us unique is being eroded. What will a Bermudian mean in future?” the Shadow Minister of Tourism and Economic Development said.

Mr Simmons was one of a succession of speakers who addressed the 250-strong crowd at lunchtime on the steps of the House of Assembly.

Each laid bare their grievances with the Government and, specifically, Minister of Home Affairs Michael Fahy's controversial Pathways to Status initiative.

The planned legislation, which will make it easier for long-term residents to gain both permanent residency and status, has led to multiple public demonstrations in recent weeks demanding a bipartisan approach to the matter.

Mr Simmons also attacked Michael Dunkley, the Premier, as he and his fellow One Bermuda Alliance MPs departed the House and walked through the rally to a chorus of boos.

He said: “We cannot be a country where the leader walks past hundreds of his fellow countrymen and doesn't even take a second to say hello.

“That's not very Bermudian, and that mindset is what we're fighting against beyond immigration.

“Just because they do not welcome us into their homes, doesn't mean that we should not still be open and embrace them. Even after this fight is won — and it will be won — let us never lose who we are.”

Friday's protest began with an instrumental rendition of We Shall Not Be Moved on trombone and drums, which was audible in the chamber as Bob Richards, the Minister of Finance, was delivering his ministry's budget brief.

The Reverend Nicholas Tweed, of the People's Campaign, then spoke to the crowd, many of whom were dressed in black as a symbol of their disapproval of the Government.

Before reciting a prayer, he said: “You cannot serve the people by ignoring the voice of the people. We come as a reminder, standing on the shoulders of generations of struggle, of those who refused to be silenced and lie down.

“You can legislate law, but you cannot legislate morality.”

Walter Roban, Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, accused the Government of being dishonest about its immigration policies.

He told protesters: “Your future is at risk. I do not say that lightly. It is time for the Bermudian people to tell the Government what they desire.”

Bermuda Entertainment Union president Leroy Simmons compared the people of Bermuda to seeds. “There are two things you can do with a seed: you can plant it or you can bury it,” he said. “I believe the OBA government is putting Bermudians in the ground and burying us.

“We shall go forward, we shall move up and we shall have a future for our local entertainers and for our young people. I'm a little tired of the Canadian (Senator Fahy) telling me what I need to do in my country.”

Protester Toby Butterfield said: “A lot of people will give me grief for being up here today, but I'm not here as a messenger of hate.

“We know there's a role for expats and we know it's essential, we're not stupid. This is about a full conversation. This is about democracy.

“This is about making sure that the impact of our immigration policy has the most positive benefits for Bermuda and the least negative benefits.”

Progressive Labour Party MP Rolfe Commissiong said that the OBA's efforts to push the immigration reforms through was “nothing new”.

He added: “They say that we are too old, that we are too black, but we are old and black enough to remember what these type of racialised immigration policies did to our parents and to us.

“None of us should be surprised by the efforts of the OBA to perpetuate white privilege and dominance of this country at the expense of everyone else.”

Opposition MP Walton Brown, who had previously called for a campaign of “civil disobedience” to protest the reforms, announced that the day's gathering had sent “a very powerful message to the Government”.

“I don't see a small minority here,” he said. “The Government has to listen. If they do not listen, I suspect things are going to get a lot more intense.

“This is a very serious matter. It affects every one of you, it affects your children and your grandchildren.

“We know this is not right, the Government knows this is not right, so we have to find ways to stop it.”

Mr Fahy responded by saying: “It is of course disappointing that some in the community believe the only way to have their voices heard is through a sit-in at the House of Assembly.

“Unfortunately, I am concerned that many are being misinformed by the organisers of these events. I urge everyone with any questions about the proposals to look at the ministry website and all the information we have provided as to why these initiatives are important for Bermuda's future.

“In addition, despite many requests as to what is meant by comprehensive immigration reform, no statements are forthcoming. I would be happy to hear them.

“I believe in my heart that pathways is the right thing to do for Bermuda's long-term success. I believe the majority of Bermudians accept this.”