National Liberal Party.

The legal agreement on the bases needs to be changed so Bermuda can decide on future construction, says the NLP. And it is urging the Hon. Sir John Swan to start talks now.

The party's call came after protests by St David's Islander Mrs. Olive Foley against an extension to Roger B. Chaffee High School at the US Naval Air Station.

Mrs. Foley, whose family home was gobbled up by construction of the base in the 1940s, says the new building will rob her neighbourhood of more green space. She was told by base commander Capt. James Arnold that planners had been limited in their choice of sites.

Now, the NLP has called for re-negotiation of the agreement, signed by the US and Britain in 1941.

NLP spokeswoman Ms Cheryl Pooley said the party's major concern was a section in the agreement giving the US power to build on the bases without consulting Bermuda's Government.

But there was another section saying the US must give sympathetic consideration to any changes to the agreement suggested by Britain.

She said the party wanted Sir John to propose talks between Britain and the US on future development at USNAS.

And it supported an amendment to the agreement requiring Bermuda Government approval for all future construction on areas leased to the US.

"Our party is interested in protecting what little open space is left on our Island,'' said Ms. Pooley.

"While we truly appreciate the immense contributions that the US bases and her citizens have provided to our economy, air traffic services and particularly tourism, it is our duty to address any implications that may occur on the occupied lands leased to the US government.

"In 40 years the leased lands adjacent to the residents of St. David's will be handed back to the people of Bermuda. Presently there are already many derelict warehouses, an unsightly landfill and an empty and derelict hospital.

There is construction under way for a massive hangar and plans to further build onto the Roger B. Chaffee High School.

"Our extremely fragile ecosystem must be protected and considered.'' Ms Cheryl Pooley.