modern conveniences if the Island's cell-phone towers are found to be dangerous.

Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb warned the public could soon be faced with a stark choice -- to tear down the towers or keep their phone lines.

And she warned Bermuda could be cut off from the rest of the world if the 37 masts were found to emit harmful levels of radiation.

The fears were sparked when Bermuda Digital Communications won permission to build Bermuda's 38th cellular tower on land at Faraway, Warwick.

Ms Webb told The Royal Gazette that the new tower would be inspected to make sure it met safety standards set by the US Federal Communications Commission.

But she added: "If it was found that Bermuda was unhealthy but Bermuda would be completely cut off from the rest of the world, then that would be a question for the public to answer.'' Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon urged the Government to delay the new tower and commission its own safety study last night.

Concrete foundations were laid yesterday as managers of the Southampton Princess continued their fight against the mast, yards from hotel staff accommodation.

The CARE pressure group, Communities Against Radiation Emissions, say FCC standards are too low and claim there is a wealth of scientific evidence proving the towers are unsafe.

CARE said the European Parliament was already looking at tightening radiation laws, making them 10,000 times safer than Bermuda.

The World Health Organisation is also carrying out a major study into the possible link between the towers and cancer.

But Ms Webb added: "We have got reports from the FCC and we are comfortable that Bermuda meets the international standards with respect to public safety.

"But let's say there is a health hazard. What do we do? Knock down those 37 towers? "We have to look at it from a national perspective. We cannot look at just one neighbourhood in isolation.

"What we can do is control the proliferation of towers to ensure that there are multi-users on the sites, rather than putting more up.

"Of course Government always has to look at new health data and information.

"But if we want to have telecommunications systems in place that include cellular telephone use and use by the Police and airlines, we have to have them there.'' She also said the Island would not be bound by European laws unless they were adopted by Britain and ratified by Bermuda.

Ms Gordon, the Shadow Telecommunications Minister, said any radiation fears should be taken seriously.

She confirmed the UBP Government had approved licences for all existing towers but added: "We believed that what we were doing was in the best interests of Bermuda.

"However, it wouldn't hurt to hold off and force a study to allay the fears and concerns.

`Stark choices' on towers "That would either show the concerns were unjustified or had some validity. I would implore the Minister to take a few moments and listen to the people.

"The PLP have said they are the people's Government and they care.'' Anti-tower campaigner Monica Rowe said the Police helped avoid a stand-off between builders and residents at Faraway yesterday.

But Mrs. Rowe added: "Our fight continues although it takes time and we will have to be patient.'' BDC issued a statement yesterday saying they were "dismayed'' that CARE still believed the tower would be unsafe.

It said: "Certain special interest groups with their own personal agendas continue to stir community fears.

"We want to reiterate that our antenna will in no way harm community members or their families.

"Anyone who would like additional information is urged to contact our offices.''