MP Scott: “Overt Politicizing” Of Southlands Event

September 25, 2013

[Updated] C#24 Warwick South East MP Lawrence Scott said he is concerned by the “overt politicizing of an event that should be about putting the people of Warwick first,” while Senator Alexis Swan said Mr Scott doesn’t seem to “fully understand what is going on at Southlands.”

Earlier this week there was a press conference held to give an overview about the plans to turn Southlands into a National Park, where it was explained that the next step is for the estate to be incorporated into the Parks Act through legislation.

After the press conference, Mr Scott said: “I welcome the news that Southlands will be converted to a National Park. This idea originated with former Premier Alex Scott and was one of the campaign promises I made in the leadup to the 2012 election.

“I am concerned however by the overt politicizing of an event that should be about putting the people of Warwick first, not the politicians.

“Is it appropriate for the mother of OBA Senator and Warwick candidate Alexis Swan to be managing the fund raising effort? Is it appropriate for the wide and diverse community of Warwick to be excluded in the process going forward in favor of OBA insiders?

“Isn’t a more open, transparent, non-partisan and collaborative approach the more appropriate approach to take on an issue that we all agree on?

“This National Park, conceived by the PLP and implemented by the OBA is a perfect opportunity for us to unite and move our Warwick community forward together,” said Mr Scott.

Slideshow showing 40+ photos of the press conference and Southlands property:

In response, Senator Swan said: “I’m very surprised by Lawrence Scott’s comments. He doesn’t seem to fully understand what is going on at Southlands.

“When the Progressive Labour Party agreed to swap that property for Morgan’s Point many months ago, they said it was going to become a public park. However, they failed to follow up on that and pass legislation to bring it under the umbrella of the Bermuda National Parks Act of 1986.

“Even though the property belongs to Government, there is no mandate to care for it. As a result, Southlands has has fallen into some disrepair. The tenants of one of the houses on the property have reported that part of their roof has fallen in, for example.

“The Government is preparing legislation to do what the PLP failed to do, but it will be some time before that is brought into effect.

“Meantime, something has to be done to stop the property deteriorating. I know from canvassing in Warwick in the run-up to the last election that the residents there are most concerned about Southlands, and want it to be managed properly.”

Video of the Southlands press conference:

Senator Swan continued, “Indeed, the Friends of Southlands group grew out of the promises I made to the residents that I would see the property was taken care of. I believe that even though I wasn’t elected as their constituency representative, I have an obligation to see that through.

“The group is made up of people who are prepared to donate their time and energy to doing the right thing by Southlands. Whether one of them is my mother or not seems to me to be beside the point. A better question is whether she is qualified to do the job, and I’d be surprised if anyone would suggest she is not.

“Bermuda is too small to suggest that the close relatives of politicians must stop working for the public good as long as that politician is in office. MP Scott should understand that better than anyone. He comes from a well-known political party. Former Premier Alex Scott is his father,” concluded Senator Swan.

Update 1.11pm: Senator Swan, who is the Junior Environment Minister, added: “It is unfortunate that MP Lawrence Scott is trying to twist a great community development into a who-should-get-credit political controversy, but that happens when you see politics first and everything else second.

“The simple fact is that Government is moving forward with interested citizens to finally transform Southlands into a public park.

“The creation of a park was an OBA campaign promise, as it was Mr. Scott’s and his father before him. The Government is now moving ahead to make it happen, working with the charity Friend of Southlands to raise money for the work.

:That Mr. Scott should scrutinize this week’s announcement in terms of who was present and who was not indicates an unhealthy focus on partisan politics.

“Southlands became an issue shortly before the 2007 election with the issuance of a Special Development Order for the creation of a resort on the 36-acre property that included a South Shore Road tunnel beneath the property. The plan fizzled in the face of community opposition and the Morgan’s Point-Southlands land swap followed. Unfortunately, nothing was done in the following years to make the park a reality.

“The creation of a park was an OBA campaign promise, as it was Mr. Scott’s and his father before him. The Government is now moving ahead to make it happen, working with Friend of Southlands to raise funding. Mr. Scott is welcome to join the fund-raising efforts and we will make sure he gets credit for his efforts.”

Update 7.28pm: In response, Lawrence Scott said, “The comments coming from OBA Senator Swan depicts yet another example of an OBA that speaks collaboration while pursuing confrontation.

“The history of Southlands has always been based on a collaborative effort between the MP of the area and the owners. The OBA have chosen to exclude me as well as the hundreds Warwick residents I represent, flying in the face of our community history and the spirit of collaboration.

“The Warwick community should have the final say as to what happens with Southlands, regardless of who does the fund raising. We must ensure the people have a voice on Southlands and not just the OBA’s chosen few.”

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Category: All, Environment, News, Politics

Comments (41)

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  1. Concerned Citizen says:

    Alexis Swan is talking nonsense! “the property had deteriorated”? Obviously you just came on the scene as a new candidate, or you would have known that the property has been in that “state” for years. I recall BEST and Alex Scott being involved, and expressing concerns that the property should be spared from development. That’s why the Govt had a land swap with the property owners(IMHO, a bad deal for Bermuda), because of the efforts of Scott, Hayward, and others. So yes Alexis, you are making this political when it’s been a bi-partisan effort all along. MP Scott is correct, and you young lady, with mommy in the background, are using south lands in an attempt maintain some political relevence in the community. We Warwick folk see right through you, and are not in the mood for being used. Remember, some of us want a park, and some of us would have preferred a hotel.

    • B. Trump says:

      Well said Concerned Citizen. You could not have put it better. I agree that So yes Alexis, you are making this political when it’s been a bi-partisan effort all along. MP Scott is correct, and you young lady, with mommy in the background, are using south lands in an attempt maintain some political relevance in the community. This politicking by the OBAubp is overlooking the real purpose of collaboration.

      • d.o. says:

        give it up you. if she sneezes it is political. grow the h**l up Better if we had NO parties at all but youn would find fault with that.

  2. Icandowhatiwant says:

    oh go count chickens mr scott. you love to nick pick aint senator swan mom a dr in natural health and do community walks in d hood thru d tracks and classes and stuff dont they live in warwick. get off ya high horse cause you did not knock on my door once during the election. but i saw ms swan 2 times in my house and 4 times in my hood. i tought she was jehova witness. the point is they not turning it to hotel and that all that matter

  3. terry says:

    Then why the hell didn’t Ewart Brown and the PLP build one.

  4. watching says:

    This is clearly an attempt for Senator Swan to maintain some political relevance. According to the interview in another news medium a few weeks ago she was disappointed to lose her seat. That shows she is confused, as she never had a seat to lose. Nevertheless, Lawrence Scott’s comments were spot on. His father, former Premier Alex Scott, fought for Southlands under the PLP even when some others in the PLP preferred a Hotel for the site. As former Premier Scott is now out of politics, it would be have been good “collaboration” (as Premier Cannonier has often spoken to recently) to have invited him to this press conference. Perhaps he has contacts that too could assist. Perhaps he is a Friend of Southlands as well. In fact, why not invite MP Lawrence Scott as well? This was clearly a political move.

    • king of the hill says:

      Why has mp lawrwnce not been invited??? Simple reason is that he hasnt did a thing since winning hia seat in the election… and keep in mind that mrs swan is a senator and and junior minister with many porforlios so southlends is def not a way to stay relevant as she works hard for her country… and if mr scott is so concerned about southlends ..why he didn’t pick up where his farther left off and continue the project. .

      • watching says:

        That is so not true. Lawrence has been continually canvassing and has been a superb representative in the House of Assembly. senator Swan is a Junior Minister. Junior Ministers don’t have nearly the same responsibility as a full Cabinet Minister.

        • haha says:

          Well even if she has less of a portfolio, she’s doing WAAAAAAY MORE than Scott or anyone else ever done.

  5. Vote for Me says:

    Bermuda is way too small.

    Who would have known that Mrs. Frith Black was Senator Swan’s mother? Nothing wrong with her being invited but why leave out former Premier Scott? He ‘took some licks’ for promoting teh idea of saving Southlands against some of his political colleagues.

  6. Navin R. Johnson says:

    Coming from the party who politicize everything….have to laugh

  7. Nuffin but da Truth says:

    yet more Bollocks!

  8. Dreadlocks says:

    Well done Ms.Alexis Swan.We hope you and your colleagues can restore Southlands to a beautiful park we can all enjoy!

  9. Question says:

    Point is – - Alexis Swan is doing exactky what she is accussing MP Lawrence Scott of doing – - and to me, that’s really funny.

    She needs to stay in her lane and keep quiet – - or until the OBA allows her to speak again.

    Question is – - when will that be? Probably around the same time MP Nandi Davis and MP Kenny Bascome are allowed to talk too?

    Q

    • Mike Hind says:

      So… today? Minister Bascome was in the paper, talking about Marginal Wharf…

      • terry says:

        Mr. Bascome is a Minister?

        • Mike Hind says:

          Right you are. I misspoke.
          Mr. Bascome. My bad.

          • navin johnson says:

            what a horrible transgression to refer to the man as a Minister……you should be ashamed of yourself …

            • Verbal Kint says:

              String him up by his thumbs!!
              I forgot he’s a uke player, he needs his thumbs. :)

  10. openmind says:

    Alexis keep going girl! You are doing an awesome job. Thank you for helping Bermuda to become a better place. We need more young energetic individuals like yourself getting involved and being a product of the change they wish to see!

  11. B. Trump says:

    Well said MP MR Scott, you are one of the brightest younger MPs I have seen in a long time. You are doing a great job, smart and intelligent. Your comment in this regards is spot on.

  12. Concerned Citizen says:

    I’m surprised Minister Fahy wasn’t there in support of Senator Swan…….! Hmmmmmmmmmmm

    • Robert says:

      Lmao concerned citizen, so true, where was mikey boy fahy ?

    • B. Trump says:

      Yeah, @Concern Citizen, this was a real surprise that he was not present during this presentation. I wonder why you say that? But I guess it

  13. Babylon says:

    The OBA looking after the previously neglected people in Warwick!

  14. Get a Life! says:

    Fundraisers are done on free time! No tax money involved! If you have a problem concerned citizen, B trump, and Co feel free to volunteer your services and STOP blogging! If not shut your dam mouths!

  15. MR says:

    EVERYONE knows that former Premier Scott was the one that potentially brokered the deal to save Southlands. But everyone also knows that he was never the first to come up with that idea.

    The idea to turn Southlands into a park was always in the public domain and always mentioned. With all due respect to Mr. Scott but he was not the first to come up with that idea.

    And how is this a political issue in the first place????? This is a win-win for ALL of Bermuda! BDA politics is truly toxic, as one former Premier said once. I’ll attribute that for certain.

  16. CommonSensenBda says:

    “This idea originated with former Premier Alex Scott and was one of the campaign promises I made in the leadup to the 2012 election.”—- MP Lawrence Scott

    Talk about the kettle calling the pot “Black”.

    MP Scott, your dad talked about starting a Public Access To Information program while he was Premier. Did he initiate that program while he was Premier? Did President Brown finish implementing it? Did Premier “I’m just a cog in the wheel” Cox finish implementing the Pati legislation? Yes…..or No.

    The difference between the PLPbiu and the OBA is this….. one has committee meanings ad infinitum while the other gets thing done…..the Property could have been made into a park more than FOUR YEARS AGO.

    TALK IS CHEAP….ACTION SPEAKS VOLUMES.

  17. CommonSensenBda says:

    “The Warwick community should have the final say as to what happens with Southlands, regardless of who does the fund raising. We must ensure the people have a voice on Southlands….”

    So Mr. Scott, you don’t want Southlands tbe be a park to be enjoyed by all Bermudians. Then present how you want Southlands to be used.

    P.S. What did the PLPbiu do with Southlands ever since the land swap deal went through to BENEFIT the people of Warwick?
    ….2010….2010….2011….2012….2013 The OBA turns it into a Public Park.

    PROMISE FINALLY KEPT.

  18. Sandy Bottom says:

    We all know why Scott said this. He is sucking up to Bean, who had to issue a public apology in 2010 after he criticized Best for its support of the preservation of Southlands in his rude speech when he called them “muppets”. Obviously the PLP doesn’t care about Bermuda’s environment, particularly South Shore, which is why the PLP can never see the importance of environmental support.

    • Concerned Citizen says:

      Sandy bottom, you are more deceptive then most in the OBA. I’m convinced you are one of their silent, do nothing MPs. Marc Bean apologize to BEST? Lol! As my friend Mike Hind would say, any evidence to back up your claims? Of course not. @common sense, the ignorance and arrogance of your statements reveal a kool aid drinker. Please, do tell, what the OBA has done, outside of opening Bermudas legs to the outsiders? Maybe the Oba spokesperson, Toni, can give us a reason. The OBA is such a fraud, that soon, they will need to hire Olivia Pope as a consultant! Smile

      • Mike Hind says:

        We’re friends?

        (And, careful with the “kool aid drinker” comments. Last time someone said that, there was an uproar.

        Oh, wait. It’s only offensive when the other side does it. I forgot.)

  19. Somebody's Momma says:

    In these tough economic times with so many charities that are trying to help people struggling to get dollars, I say just leave it as is. Not an urgent matter. Let’s focus on helping people. Leave some virgin land for the next generation.

  20. Concerned Citizen says:

    Btw, Mp Scott has proven to be quite capable as an MP, inside and outside of Parliament. Senator Swan on the other hand…..well, she doesn’t say much in Senate, and she is not an MP. Oh oh oh…..can somebody in the Oba give us an update on the management of the FBA(future Bermuda alliance), the one which Senstor Swan was in charge of? Oops, my bad. The OBA, image, no substance, and plenty of internal scandal.

  21. Slippery Slope and close to the cliff says:

    Has anyone heard Lawrence Scott speak in the House of Assembly? He sounds like he is in a primary school debate! Not impressed!

  22. Cloud9 says:

    as a resident of the Warwick where is Mr. Scott with fighting our health issues with the Cobb’s Hill Quarry and our contaminated water tanks and the Digicel tower and it’s radiation emissions and the planning application from Mr. Lopes for another 50+ one bedroom condos? we have serious health issues and have been abandoned by him and Mr. L. Scott feels it’s his desire to put down his colleague where the Southlands national park is a huge benefit for ALL Bermuda! Learn to WORK TOGETHER to get Bermuda out of this financial mess the PLP put this island in.

  23. Cloud9 says:

    Slippery Slope and close to the cliff/ yes and his airplane trip via GPS leading him to Florida and finding Mickey Mouse running our island – I am very very disappointed in him.

    • Verbal Kint says:

      Lawrence Scott’s performance in the House was an embarrassment. I couldn’t believe I was listening to a Member.