HAMILTON, Bermuda, (CMC) — Hundreds of people gathered on the grounds of the Cabinet Building in the capital on Sunday night in support of government’s controversial Pathways to Status immigration legislation.

The vigil came two days after at least 1,000 demonstrators protested outside of the House of Assembly against the legislation, calling for bipartisan immigration reform. Public transportation, garbage collection and other government services were halted for the day.

More disruption from withdrawn labour is expected on Monday. Buses are not likely to run in the morning while garbage — which is normally collected twice a week in the parishes — continues to pile up at the roadside in some parts of the island.

The crowd cheered as the candlelit vigil began with the raising of the Bermuda flag.

 “I have lived in Bermuda for the past 25 years. I came to support individuals who, like myself, have fallen into this predicament where, after spending almost our whole lives in Bermuda, are unable to obtain status,” said Janice Mullings-George, originally from Jamaica.

“I don’t want to have to say goodbye to the home I’ve had since I was seven years old. I just want to continue giving back to the community.”

Paul Harney, a recreation specialist, said, he came to here on Sunday “because of my concern that Bermuda is becoming divided on the issue of immigration.

“Our population is shrinking and we should honour those people who have given up 20 or 30 years of their lives investing in our community.

“It’s ridiculous that we would try to kick them to the side and ignore their contributions. Let’s make it fair for everyone and monitor the numbers moving forward,” he added.

Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy has said the legislation is the right thing to do morally and economically.

Under the Pathways to Status proposal government wants to change immigration rules and allow those who have lived in Bermuda for 15 years to apply for permanent residency and those who have held permanent residency for 20 years to seek Bermudian status (citizenship).

Fahy has said amending the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956 to incorporate the new provisions would bring Bermuda in line with the European Convention on Human Rights, generate revenue and help to address the decreasing work population.

Meanwhile, two leading Caribbean groups have clarified their positions following a recent statement by Fahy on the issue.