concerns affecting the base lands.

Vince Ingham, chairman of the Bermuda Land Development Company, laid down the challenge this week as he spoke to the Hamilton Rotary about redeveloping the base lands.

"I am proposing that we take a brief time out to pause and challenge the public to help us understand as many of their issues and concerns that they possibly can,'' he said.

"I hope that over the next several months members of the public will help us with this effort. I have already had several meetings with groups who have invited us to talk to them about the base lands and I intend to continue doing this.

"Equally, I believe it is important to be realistic as we go forward therefore I will remain sensitive to creating public expectations that we cannot fulfil.'' Mr. Ingham added: "I do not expect to satisfy everyone, but I am convinced that by going through this process we will be better prepared to consider our options intelligently and hopefully more wisely for the benefit of all Bermudians.

"In order to ensure that we identify what the key elements of public interest are, it is my view that the Board must engage the public.'' The BLDC was set up earlier this year to take over from the Land Transition Office to bring new development to the base lands.

A board has been appointed and staff are being recruited -- although the numbers will be kept to about 15 to keep the company lean.

It has been set up, under the Base Lands Development Act, with the aim of integrating the Naval Air Station, Daniel's Head and Morgan's Point back into the "economic and social fabric'' of the Island and to create new jobs.

The board is governed by the Development and Planning (Base Lands) Act -- which has established a broad use plan and preferred uses for the bases.

However two developers are already vying for the right to build on Morgan's Point and a new master plan will be drawn up for the NAS. Daniel's Head has yet to find a suitable developer.

Mr. Ingham told the Rotary: "We have a talented and experienced board with members who have demonstrated their abilities to get things done.

"I believe, based on our meetings to date, that there is a chemistry amongst our board members that should enable us to meet the challenge we have accepted.'' Mr. Ingham sounded one note of warning saying that the board's resources were limited and there would be a heavy reliance on private investors' entrepreneurial spirit and the public sector to create partnership opportunities.

GOVERNMENT GVT