Applications Board after a three-year term that saw the controversial incinerator project get the green light.

Mr. Conyers yesterday urged the board's new chairman, Mr. Colin Adderley, and 11 members to continue efforts to "maintain open space as much as possible''.

"Bermuda has come very close to being over-developed, especially in the country areas,'' he warned.

However, he believed the Island was "still ahead of the game'', especially with the Planning Department's new highly restrictive development plan.

The decision, after a number of "volatile'' hearings'', to approve the Tynes Bay incinerator -- set for completion this year -- was not a mistake, Mr.

Conyers insisted.

"I believe it was an absolute must, though it's obvious there must be all sorts of protection devices to go along with it,'' he said. "Now we can get rid of the Pembroke Dump and turn it into a beautiful park.'' Mr. Conyers noted Mr. Adderley also had some "big issues' to decide in the coming year.

Among them were the Wilkinson Quarry expansion, Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and the Bermuda Financial Centre Limited.

"There will be some tough decisions to make -- I wish them all the luck,'' he said.

Mr. Conyers said he set out as deputy chairman of the DAB to give each application prompt and fair consideration -- keeping in mind the need to preserve Bermuda's open space.

His board took a tough stance on condo development, he noted. The DAB had worked with the Planning Department over the years to try to shorten the approval process. And he believed that goal had finally been achieved this year.

Mr. Conyers has served on the DAB since 1980. He was deputy chairman when he took over as chairman from Mr. Glen Titterton.

After a one-year term he agreed to carry on for two more years under former Environment Minister the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto, and until the end of the year under the new Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons.