Health and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness has attacked the plans to build the Institute off East Broadway.

Some Cabinet colleagues have been linked favourably to the BUEI but Mr. Edness is the first Minister to speak out against the plans.

"Like most Bermudians I have no difficulty with the concept of the BUEI and what it proposes to do for Bermuda and the scientific world,'' he said. "But I do have a problem with the proposed locality. I do not think it should be located there.'' The plans for the Institute, detailing Bermuda's links with the ocean, have caused controversy because of objections from a number of bodies, including the National Trust.

Mr. Edness said: "We spent an awful lot of time beautifying the area and improving the view.

"I have studied the plans and when this institute is built it will completely block the view.

"Some of the main attractions for visitors to Bermuda are the vistas and this will remove one of them.'' He added that if no other location was available then a case could be made to locate it off East Broadway.

But he said: "There are alternative sites and I think the proponents of this particular institute have never indicated any alternative sites despite the controversy.

"There are more than adequate locations particularly with the Base lands being returned to the community and in Dockyard, which are better suited.

"They need to tell the public why they insist on building off East Broadway.

Why is this the only site that can accommodate the Institute? Why is this site so important?'' After studying the plans Mr. Edness is concerned about the fact that the building will be within 20 feet of the water, but he said: "It is also proposed to have a foreshore encroachment. This would have the additional effect of killing off what little marine environment still exists at this end of the bay.'' He agreed with concerns of other people over the increased traffic which would be caused by the Institute on Bermuda's busiest road.

Mr. Edness suggested people who care about the environment contact National Trust environmental committee chairman Mr. Tim Marshall.

"The committee are the watchdogs for the environment. Mr. Marshall seems to be making eminent sense as to why this building should be located elsewhere.

"I urge all Bermudians to become interested in this project to locate the Institute on this site and to formulate an opinion. They should go to the Planning Department to look at the plans.

"The alternative is that one day, as we all drive to work, we will see a building that will go up so fast and the vistas, known to everyone driving into and out of Hamilton, will be gone. Then it will be too late. There has to be a balance because the Institute could add substantially to our welfare by providing something that tourists and Bermudians themselves could enjoy.''