One day after he told protesters that nothing was moved off the Oleander, Bermuda Industrial Union President Chris Furbert said ten port workers will unload essential items at the Hamilton Docks today.

While updating the crowd gathered yesterday he said: “Businesses have told the OBA to get this resolved – that’s the kind of pressure they’re getting.” And he urged the group to “take a deep breath and be patient”.

“I don’t expect this to drag on for two weeks like it did in 1981,” he said. “Right now Bermuda is the laughing stock of the world – not us – them! They say they were elected to govern – no! They were elected to govern on behalf of the people,” said Mr Furbert.

Three days into the withdrawal of labour in Bermuda, hundreds of full containers remain on the Hamilton docks, some stacked high just inside of the main gate.

While some containers were unloaded last week from other ships, the Oleander, which arrived on Sunday, was left fully loaded as port workers joined the protest demonstration.

Mr Furbert told protesters today: “What we will do as responsible individuals, is go down there and take those essential items off…that’s all we’re taking off.

“The 42 guys that work on the dock, the whole 42 guys are not going back to work. There’s only ten of them going down there to do want needs to be done, and when they’re finished, they’re coming right back here.

“Those white containers. If they are unable to get them off at a certain time, everything that is in there will have to be thrown in the trash, thrown away,” he said.

“We’re not going to be that irresponsible, we are not. And while I do understand some people thinking we shouldn’t do it, I’m saying to you that it’s the right thing to do.”

As it stands now the withdrawal of labour on Friday continues today as no resolution has been reached.

There are also unconfirmed reports that the OBA Government has appealed to the Governor to send Royal Bermuda Regiment soldiers to the House of Assembly tomorrow morning. This after the Speaker of the House Randolph Horton stated that proceedings will resume at 10am tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, despite the inclement weather protesters remain outside the House of Assembly.

By Ceola Wilson