Airport was a little like David and Goliath -- except Goliath won, an Opposition MP charged yesterday.

Shadow Transport Minister Dennis Lister made the claim during debate on his take note motion on the awarding of the lease to Bermuda Aviation Services.

Mr. Lister, who said the aim of the motion was to gain full disclosure over how and why BAS was awarded the tender, said the process discouraged small businessmen from getting involved in the process and could also hurt two small firms already providing the service.

The lease, which was tabled in the House last week, awards BAS a 10-year lease to provide the service from its facility on the north ramp at the Airport.

Mr. Lister said tight deadlines for proposals and construction discouraged small companies from bidding.

The process he told the House, was a little like David and Goliath, except in this case Goliath emerged the winner.

And once the lease takes effect there will be no-one around to offer competitive service, he said.

Transport Minister Wayne Furbert said the process was inclusive and deadline extensions were granted for those who so requested.

He also told the House the second company operating at the Airport was taken into consideration when the contract was awarded.

But Shadow Tourism Minister David Allen remained unimpressed. He accused Government of not living up to its promise of extending opportunities on the Base lands to the small businessman.

"We see the same thing happening at Morgan's Point,'' he said. It's the same old UBP vested interests who always get ahead.

He said the NATO hangar could be used for noisy reggae shows or for other events like boat shows.

Mr. Allen said the PLP had suggested this on a past occasion but nothing was done.

Consequently BAS, which already has a monopoly on some Airport services, has now been allowed to become further entrenched.

Government's entire intent was to steer the entire process in one direction, he asserted. They were taking care of the needs of big business and with ASB/BAS now awarded the contract, the smaller businesses would not be able to compete.

Leon (Jimmy) Williams (PLP) said he was surprised that more emphasis was not placed on allowing smaller business people more freedom to be included in the process.

"The little Bermudian must have an opportunity to participate,'' he said.

"We are against the way the motion is being handled.'' Technology and Information Minister John Barritt said the area that had been designated to house the new executive lounge was ideal because of its proximity to the terminal.

Moreover, he said, small entrepreneurs would have plenty of opportunity to participate because they could put forward other services.

And Tourism Minister David Dodwell said the intent of the lounge was to act as a greeting centre for executives and ASB/BAS were the perfect company to carry it on because of their experience in this area.

But Renee Webb (PLP) said it was not a matter of whether an executive lounge was needed. The important issue was whether the bids should have encompassed a wider area.

"We would like to know that not only is the pie being broadened,'' she said, "but that it is inclusive of more people.'' Former Premier Sir John Swan (UPP) said the executive lounge was a good idea for those people who paid highly to visit the Island. However as Bermuda's reputation as an international destination increased, it would soon be too small.

Dennis Lister Wayne Furbert David Allen