Column: Dwayne Robinson On Hotel & More
[Opinion column written by the OBA’s Dwayne Robinson]
The Progressive Labour Party [PLP] Government has said it is putting forward legislation with more protection for the taxpayer than previous deals. A good headliner but are the taxpayers in Southampton being considered?
There were discreet meetings held with the residents by Gencom, however constituents left still feeling uneasy about the residential portion of the proposed SDO, which will see the residential units number increased to 261.
I have waited patiently for the Premier to engage in heavy consultation with the surrounding residents. Despite the delays, Ministerial changes and dates pushed back, there has still been very poor consultation with the people surrounding the Fairmont Southampton.
I have mounting calls and email messages from concerned constituents seeking clarity on exactly what this means for them.
Many of them are expressing concerns over traffic, the impact on their property values with their scenic views being obscured by six-storey residential units and worries about the vector control issues being increased with commencement of construction. These are just a few issues raised to me by the people of Southampton East Central when I canvass.
I know my constituents aren’t the only ones feeling this way. My colleague, One Bermuda Alliance Senate Leader and representative for C31 Ben Smith, has raised concerns about this project in the Upper House on behalf of his constituents.
To be clear, neither my colleagues, the constituents, or myself are opposed to the renovation of the Fairmont Southampton. However, the need to keep the people of Bermuda up to date on a project that is so crucial to our economy is paramount. Right now, that isn’t being done, which, in my opinion should have been the first thing the Premier should have done. I am hoping to see town halls and open forums to discuss the residents’ issues and to show they have been considered by the Government and Gencom.
Show the people of C30 you are serious about revitalizing tourism by consistently maintaining the railway trails, getting the rat/pest problem under control, properly police the dumping of trash at the Southampton public access dock on Middle Road, and pave the roads! These are things that will show you are serious about providing a stellar tourism product and looking out for the people in the area.
I will listen carefully to the debates regarding the Fairmont Southampton, and hopefully I will hear a more rigorous consultation announced that will put the residents of Southampton at the forefront and that more clarity will be shared about the proposed residential units. The OBA welcome investment and the rebirth of one of our signature hotels, but the people who I represent must have their concerns heard and addressed.
- Dwayne Robinson is the OBA’s approved candidate for Constituency 30, Southampton East Central.
The Premier is the worst person to be anywhere close to financial negotiations. He made it clear from the start that the SP renovation was critical to Bermuda’s tourism. Right away, Gencom had him over a barrel and knew they could exert great pressure to get the terms they want, not the terms that are best for Bermuda. The deal includes all the proposed housing as part of the hotel, meaning full relief from all duties on building materials and furnishings, costs that have to be paid by Bermudians for housing.
The PEOPLE didn’t vote for you last election.
Didn’t you run in Constituency #17 against Jason Hayward and FAIL!
In 2020 you moved to Constituency #28 and FAILED.
Now you’re moved to C#30 for another F against Jason Wade!
Do the OBA a favor and make a challenge for Craig Cannonier/JET Gates seat. I truly believe you can do better than him and you will finally win. The fact that the oppostion even has him running shows how desperate the party is.
This is hilarious (SMILE)
Please remind us all… How much did Jetgate cost the people of Bermuda?
$4 BILLION and counting…oh wait, sorry…that’s the PLPs debt load.
Jetgate didn’t cost Bermudians anything.
Why are you so threatened by him? Are you uncomfotlrtable with the truth? Do you think the Southampton princess deal was a good one? Do you think the premier has done a good job? Why is it then that Curtis Dickinson resigned?!
Like so many in the POP the only thing you can throw at the OBA is You’re pitiful little jet cake controversy. What did that cause Bermuda? Zero dollars! And he resigned. Yet you made no noise when Dr Brown got on a private jet and signed away a full million dollar department of tourism contract to a fellow alumni. And then he did his second time but yet there was no noise by the PLP supporters! Why I ask?
What are your thoughts on how the whole TA form thing was dealt with. How do you feel about persons both residents and overseas paying into something that was disguised as a government operation However the funds been into a private account,?! What times is the march ?!
Well I can tell you the people in Constituency 31 haven’t seen or heard from Crystal Caesar for years. She is the most useless MP I’ve ever had in my life. I’ve tried emailing her, never got a reply. She’s just picking up a check. I’m sure next election they’ll wheel out someone else just as useless.
Opposition!