The Progressive Labour Party last night demanded answers as to why the Bermuda Government allegedly spent nearly $1.5 million in legal fees to seek guidance on how to void the Hamilton Waterfront lease.

Opposition Senator Marc Daniels described the figure as “an affront to every Bermudian”.

In a statement released late in the evening Sen Daniels said: “The revelation that the OBA paid out nearly $1.5 million in legal fees to seek guidance on how to void the Hamilton Waterfront lease is an affront to every Bermudian who has been forced to bear the burden of that organisation’s version of ‘shared sacrifice’.

“Assuming the OBA’s chosen law firm allocated a senior counsel and junior counsel, and even a QC to review the advice, and to address the legal issues arising from retroactively voiding a contract, it is inconceivable that such counsel would incur in excess of 1,000 billable hours to produce an opinion.

“Even if the law firm drafted the legislation, in addition to providing its advice, it is almost criminal to suggest that nearly $1.5 million would be incurred in legal expenses.

“The public should further expect even more money to be paid out as the OBA’s attempt to justify their actions before the courts is expected to continue.”

Mr Daniels described the alleged financial outlay as “outrageous spending” and “nonsensical spending”.

He called on the Premier Michael Dunkley to justify the expenditure and claimed that the identity of the legal firm that received the money should be made public.

Mr Daniels added: “In Opposition, the OBA spoke out against what they characterised as ‘friends and family plans’.

“Despite this, they have engaged in activities that by any standard would be considered highly suspect.

“The OBA must reveal the name of the law firm that has received such a sizeable amount of our tax dollars and if any OBA member has a connection with said firm.

“We call on the OBA to come clean and justify this outrageous spending in a time when salaries are being cut and positions are being frozen. The Premier must be held accountable for this nonsensical spending.”

The Royal Gazette contacted Government last night for a comment on Mr Daniels’ assertions, however we did not receive a response by the time we went to press.