development yesterday said he would "terminate'' his group.

But one senior member of the Sandys Youth Community Youth Club at Daniel's Head said he was hopeful an agreement could be reached with the project developers which would allow the group to stay. "We are open to any type of action,'' he said.

Earlier, the young people claimed they would refuse to leave the centre which is located inside a former Canadian Base building.

But the 20-year-old said a protest would only be used as a final option. And leader Gerald Fubler said he would "stand by the children whatever they choose''.

The group has occupied the site for more than a year, but recognise the site was entered as a temporary arrangement until a permanent location could be found. Government renovation of Springfield House on Middle Road, Sandys, is nearing completion and, once finished, will serve as a community centre to provide recreational facilities for both the young and old.

However, the SYCC maintains the Springfield site is unsuitable for teenagers and produces a cumbersome mix of ages.

Mr. Fubler also said the members had been encouraged in their hope that they might be allowed to stay in their current location through a series of favourable reactions from officials.

According to Mr. Fubler, former Premier David Saul once visited the club and indicated it could be possible for the teenagers to remain.

And later, one of the developers of the proposed eco-tourist plan suggested the SYCC could somehow be incorporated into the plan to provide interaction between visitors and locals.

Finally, Mr. Fubler said Premier Jennifer Smith toured the facility in January and also indicated she was impressed by the site -- but gave no official promises or guarantees to the group.