Ray Charlton has cited the growing tide of politically driven divisive rhetoric and constant negativity as contributory factors for deciding to step down as chairman of West End Development Corporation.

Mr Charlton, who informed Michael Dunkley, the Premier, of his decision on Tuesday, will leave the post once Wedco has fulfilled its America’s Cup commitments this summer.

He told The Royal Gazette that he was “tired of the constant negativity” from parts of the community despite “incredible progress” in Dockyard.

And he warned that “political nastiness” from supporters of both parties in the lead-up to a General Election threatened to destroy the social fabric of the country.

“Unless we find a way to work together we are all doomed,” Mr Charlton said.

Mr Charlton, who became chairman of Wedco in February 2013, paid tribute to the tremendous Wedco team whom he said had achieved more in the past four years than had been accomplished in the previous 40.

He said he was proud and honoured to have worked with them and hailed their work ethic and accomplishments improving local infrastructure, preserving the West End’s heritage and preparing for the America’s Cup.

But the outgoing chairman revealed he had become demoralised and frustrated by the “constant chipping away” of Dockyard’s progress by those who always focused on the negativity.

“There is a lot of negativity out there in the run-up to the next General Election and it is all for political gain,” Mr Charlton said.

“It’s from both sides; supporters of the Progressive Labour Party and also the One Bermuda Alliance, and it is doing no one any good, least of all our country.”

This week The Royal Gazette reported that the last of the naval crests were being painted over in Dockyard — a project that goes back to before Mr Charlton’s tenure — which prompted scores of negative comments online.

“The thing that really hurts from the comments posted about this story is the accusation that I don’t care or that Wedco does not care,” Mr Charlton said.

“Dockyard is the reason I am alive; I would not be here if my great-great-great-grandfather had not come to Bermuda from Scotland all those years ago to build the dockyard. So I care about this area very deeply.

“The decision to remove the crests was made more than four years ago and it has now just become another issue to be used as a political football to divide our people more and detract from the huge progress that has been made.

“I have always said I would be more than happy to see an artist take on a project to reinstate the crests in the future. It’s important to remember that none of these crests are originals as they have been painted over so many times by volunteers and photos of the crests and the crests themselves have been archived for people to see in perpetuity.

“I just could not believe some of the things I was reading in the online comments. They were nasty, hurtful and politically driven. It highlights the problems we have and the political division that exists in this silly season.

“I have worked really hard during my time as chair but this made me feel that maybe I am not cut out for public service any more.”

Mr Charlton says he has not set an exact date when he will step down from the post of chairman, but imagines it will be in July or August.

“After the America’s Cup I feel it will be time to give someone else a chance and let them take the helm,” he added.

“I feel I have played a part in renaissance of Dockyard as well as the progress that has been made in Bermuda and in the West End.

“For some reason the negativity out there keeps chipping away at my psyche; I am going to gracefully step down from public life and work on my health and my fitness and enjoy my latter years.”

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