3/15/2010 9:59:00 AM BEST calls on Government to honour land-swap deal
BEST press release
MONDAY, MAR. 15: BEST is calling on the Cabinet and Members of Parliament to "do what's right for Bermuda" and finalise the Southlands/Morgan's Point land swap.
In April 2008 Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, on behalf of the Government of Bermuda, signed an agreement with Southlands Ltd. to swap 80 acres of land at Morgan's Point for 37 acres of land at Southlands. He stated at that time that Southlands would likely become a public park.
The agreement was presented to the Bermuda public as though it was the fulfilment of initial land swap announcements made just prior to the 2007 general election. Thousands of Bermuda's residents and visitors, who had made their voices heard via letters, demonstrations and an online and paper petition, were encouraged to suspend their campaign to Save Southlands in response to the Bermuda Government's offer of a land swap.
BEST chair Stuart Hayward said: "For the ensuing two years, a veil of secrecy has surrounded the land swap and, from statements he has made recently, it now appears that the Premier does not intend to honour that agreement with either the Bermudian owners of Southlands Ltd. or the people of Bermuda.
"To all of those who convinced government and the developers that a land swap was in Bermuda's best interest AND everyone else who now has an interest in this issue, it is clear we must re-engage. It's time once again to make our voices heard. Here are three actions that members of the public can take immediately:
1) Sign the online petition to Save Southlands Again at www.best.org.bm.
2) Write or e-mail to MPs, particularly Cabinet Ministers, encouraging them to honour the agreement they made with Southlands Ltd and the people of Bermuda. You can find their contact information at www.best.org.bm. (Send copies of your letters and responses to best@best.org.bm, BEST will track these communications.)
3) Come and see Southlands! BEST has obtained permission from Southlands Ltd. to host a public event on the Southlands property on Sunday, March 21, from 2pm until 5pm. We are inviting members of the public to come, explore and experience this amazing and beautiful property of outstanding environmental and historical significance.
"We invite the people of Bermuda to join with us and impress upon Cabinet and the government of Bermuda that we expect them to give substance to the term honourable and honour the agreement by completing the land swap.
"We urge the Bermuda Government to demonstrate to the people of Bermuda that it is a trustworthy partner, and that it acts in good faith and transparency when making agreements with the business community and the public.
"In addition, we look to see Government Ministers and MPs disclose and publicly declare any conflict of interest they might have with respect to development at Morgan's Point."
