The Premier's handling of the Morgan's Point development is an example of his dictatorial control over Government decision-making.

It is damaging Bermuda's reputation as a place to do business because it shows that big decisions must pass through a personality that is revealed as unreliable, inconsistent and unchecked.

Two weeks ago the Premier said the Government had not approved the project because it contained "too much concrete." Now he says it's because the developers are inexperienced.

The truth, like most things involving this Premier, is hard to pin down, calling into question in this instance whether he is an honest broker.

The "inexperienced" Morgan's Point group had Dr. Brown's full support in 2007. At the time, the Premier blessed their project – then at Southlands – as "the centerpiece of a nation-wide tourism revitalisation."

The group, he said, was made up of "dedicated Bermudians" who dreamed up the Southlands project and, in partnering with Jumeirah International hotels, would "usher in the tourism comeback..."

Dr. Brown was so committed to the group he got his Government to give it a Special Development Order to expedite their project's timely success.

When public protests shifted the project to Morgan's Point, the Premier underlined his continuing support for the group by setting up a unique land swap: 37.5 acres of Southlands for 80 at Morgan's Point.

Now, 2½ years on, the Premier's spokesman ridicules the group as "pretending to be hotel developers", "who didn't know what they were doing." How do these comments square with the Premier's support for them as agents who would usher in the tourism comeback?

We are further amazed that the Morgan's Point group appears to have been rejected by the Premier alone. The Cabinet has not been given an opportunity to hear a presentation on the project despite its commitment to the land swap underpinning it. In light of the Premier's comments it seems whatever chance they had to impress the Cabinet has been fatally compromised. This is unfair and disappointing, particularly given the project's history and the costs incurred on all sides.

In contrast to the disparagement of the Morgan's Pont group, the Premier's support for Mr. Carl Bazarian and his St. George's hotel project remains steadfast. Dr. Brown's spokesman said the Morgan's Point group is not in the same class as Mr. Bazarian. Now let's get this straight: Is this the same Carl Bazarian who has repeatedly failed to make progress in St. George's after years of the Government doing everything but build the hotel for him? He may have a track record but not in Bermuda.

This tale of two developers is the tale of a double standard.

Let's be clear: We want to see Mr. Bazarian succeed but there has to be a level playing field for all parties, Bermudian and foreign.

The Premier appears to have welched on the Morgan's Point deal leaving the developers with no place to go but back to Southlands. That may be the Premier's hidden agenda, but is it in Bermuda's best interest?

Senator Michael Dunkley, is the –Shadow Minister of Tourism