A decision is expected any time on the future of Daniel's Head eco- resort - but it is not expected to open at any time this summer season.

Lawyer for the owners Excel Legacy said meetings had been held this week and all parties are reviewing the options.

But Acting Tourism Minister Alex Scott said the final decision may not necessarily be the anticipated one, and it may not be all bad news.

Lawyer Wendell Hollis said the San Diego-based developers had already made their decision, but they were waiting for feedback and decisions from other parties.

He said meetings had been held between Excel Legacy, the Bank of Butterfield, the Department of Tourism and the Bermuda Land Development Company.

“We are waiting to come to a decision. It is expected any time. Excel Legacy does not have to make any more decisions.''

He added: ‘'We have effectively made our decision and we have explained that to the people in Bermuda and have now to get their decision.”

However, he refused to be drawn on what that decision might be.

Only about five employees at Daniel's Head are remaining in their posts until the decision is announced. The rest have either been let go, or were told just prior to starting work at the village for the summer season, that their services would not be needed.

About three weeks ago the decision was taken to delay the opening of the environmentally friendly holiday village by a month - until late April, early May.

However, The Royal Gazette was told last night by a worker, who did not wish to be named, that the resort is not likely be open again this year.

The worker said: “It's the Daniel's Head mystery at the moment. Nobody seems to know what is going on.

“We think Excel Legacy have got people interested in buying it, but the word is that Daniel's Head will not be opening at all this season. There is no guest book.”

And The Royal Gazette understands that one of the delays in the announcement of the decision is that details are still being worked out over what to do with the staff.

Yesterday, the Bank of Butterfield refused to comment on the issue, saying that it never commented on client business.

Mr. Scott said that he expected further discussions to be held over the coming days before a final statement was issued.

He added: “I do believe that the news is not necessarily going to be all as anticipated. It's going to be a mixture of good and bad news. I can't say anymore than that.

“You're asking if it could involve a sale, it could involve a sale, but there are other options.''

He added a decision could be made as early as next week. The Minister of Tourism David Allen would be back on the Island as early as Monday and would be in a position to make a formal statement then.