Developers' final plans for the old Base lands will be judged on their benefits to Bermuda -- including the number of jobs for Bermudians, Government said yesterday.

Teams of developers are to submit final proposals for Morgan's Point and Daniel's Head by Friday.

All the plans will be scrutinised by top-level civil servants and private business people before recommendations are sent to the Bermuda Land Development Company.

The Company will then put the plans under the microscope before a decision is made, possibly towards mid-November.

"We must ensure that the development of these properties will have a positive and far-reaching impact on the livelihoods and careers of our people, our tourism industry and the economy,'' said Finance Minister Grant Gibbons.

Eleven teams have been shortlisted for the two sites and those still interested are due to submit their final proposals by Friday, August 16, when they will undergo strict evaluation.

Civil servants and private sector bosses, representing expertise in regulatory matters, the law, economics, site planning, engineering and golf course design, will examine the ideas.

It is expected that will last about eight weeks when recommendations will be made to the LDC which will launch wide-ranging consultation before any agreements are finalised.

Consultation by the Company is expected to take place around October and November.

Evaluations of the schemes will be based on four general areas: Commitment towards providing Bermudians with jobs in the short term and career opportunties in the long term, as well as contributions to foreign currency earnings and potential to strengthen tourism.

At 250-acre Morgan's Point the evaluation will focus on the combination of commercial and resort operations which could include tourist accommodation, a championship golf course, marine and commercial and residential development.

A commitment to public spaces, bringing new products to Bermuda and reinforcing the Island's reputation as a quality destination will also be examined.

The examination of Daniel's Head schemes will aim to recommend a tourism development "that will set a new standard for Bermuda tourism and help define the industry for the 21st Century''.

It will also look at commitments to minimising the impact on the surrounding neighbourhood and environment and to maintaining access to public beaches.

Each team will also be judged on its track record with other high-quality developments, the experience of its key members and its leadership.

There will also be close examination of a team's cash backing and whether it has the money to complete the planned development.

Dr. Gibbons added: "The aim of the evaluation process is to determine which development proposals will benefit Bermuda and its people best.'' GOVERNMENT GVT