BEST Calls For SDO Debate To Be Postponed

The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce [BEST] released a statement about the proposed Special Development Order [SDO] for Tucker’s Point Resort, calling on Government “to postpone debate on the SDO until after the the Budget debate has cleared and MPs are able to devote adequate attention to this important and complex issue. We urge the government to honour its call and provide the public with a transparent vehicle to voice their opinion before the protective zoning is stripped away by passing this SDO.” The debate is expected to commence this afternoon [Feb.28].

The full statement from BEST follows below:

The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) is severely disappointed that the government has chosen to proceed with debate on the Special Development Order (SDO) for Tucker’s Point in the middle of the Budget Debate.

As this SDO, if it is passed, will convert over 60 acres of land from protected zoning to building lots, it is far too important to be debated at the end of the day when Mps are worn, if not exhausted, from a full day debating the Budget. And how can MPS give the SDO the time and attention needed to research the financial, economic and social ramifications in the midst of considering the most demanding debate in the Parliamentary year, the National Budget?

The Minister has said the public will have a opportunity to comment, but not before the SDO is debated.

Where is the public meeting for people to ask the Minister questions BEFORE the SDO is passed? Where is the website or email address or other platform where the public and ask questions or send its opinions BEFORE the SDO is a done deal?

We had thought we were entering a new are of transparency and accountability (those were the Minister’s words) yet the Minister has obfuscated the issue by telling party MPs and the public they should not worry because they will to make represtation to the Planning department. But once the SDO is passed, the deal is done and 60 acres of land will have lost its protection.

A member of the public has called for people to gather at Parliament at lunchtime today. BEST is supportive of this call as it reflects the public’s concern and frustration at not having a vehicle provided by government to voice their opinions before this issue is debated.

The Minister has openly called for public input and as the government has neither offered nor provided a vehicle for public feedback BEFORE tabling or debating the SDO, the public is entitled to use whatever orderly means are at their disposal.

We urge the governnment to postpone debate on the SDO until after the the Budget debate has cleared and MPs are able to devote adequate attention to this important and complex issue. We urge the government to honour its call and provide the public with a transparent vehicle to voice their opinion before the protective zoning is stripped away by passing this SDO.

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