July 3, 2014

Dear Sir,

Some people would have you believe that size doesn’t matter. Well, I say it totally does when we are talking about the size of a new development in Bermuda.

Following on from Larry Burchall’s article in the Bermuda Sun on Friday, 27 June about the likelihood that no hotel development will materialise for St George’s, perhaps it is time to acknowledge that we need to reassess our tourism product which, more than likely, simply cannot sustain a huge development coming ‘right out of the gates’.

Beginnings of things are typically small and then grown based on initial suitability, sustainable practices and operational success.

I feel that Mr Burchall is absolutely right in his multiple assertions as to why recent proposals for development in St George’s have failed and, additionally, I believe, projects aren’t materialising because St George’s does not have the infrastructure to support such large developments. However, if we build a small hotel up there on the hill or perhaps a small cottage colony, then the development of a supporting infrastructure in the town could be more realistically achieved.

I think the size of the buildings in these proposed developments also matters. In some countries, life is lived indoors and so it is somewhat understandable that, in those countries, the size of the building/house reflects that. In Bermuda, where the outdoors is where the real magic is (or was), it seems more suitable to have buildings be on a modest scale so as to preserve the limited open space for the enjoyment of our beautiful, natural surrounds. Isn’t that a big part of our product after all?

The size of the cruise ships that come to Bermuda also matters.

Bermuda struggles to succeed when faced with 4 - 8,000 passengers arriving on our shores, all at the same time.

A fraction of that number, delivered to various parts of the island by smaller cruise ships, will ensure that the visitors get the level of service and amenity they deserve and that we will get the opportunity to be successful hosts.

Bermuda is small and in that smallness is our beauty, our attractiveness. Hotel developers should be encouraged to use their creativity to build something that matches Bermuda in size and scale. That could be the key to their success.

KIM SMITH