Shadow Environment Minister Cole Simons last night warned Warwick residents not to be "misled" into thinking the Jumeirah Southlands switch to Morgan's Point is a done deal.

However, former Premier Alex Scott rejected Mr. Simons' claim that he had floated the Opposition's idea for the swap as a last-ditch tactic to hang onto his Warwick South East seat.

Mr. Scott — who said he remained confident the deal would be done — argued the move was his own suggestion, and that talks had been ongoing for two years.

Last month, the former Premier announced Government was consulting with developers Southlands Ltd. and the Jumeirah Group regarding the feasibility of moving the five-star 497-bed resort to the brownfield Morgan's Point site, following major protests from residents and environmentalists.

In a statement released yesterday evening, Mr. Simons said: "The people of Warwick should not be misled into thinking the Southlands-Morgan's Point switch is a done deal. Far from it.

"Former Premier Alex Scott floated our idea of switching the development to Morgan's Point as a last-minute tactic to save his seat and check Jeff Sousa, the United Bermuda Party candidate in Constituency 24, whose opposition to the development of Southlands has the support of Warwick voters.

"It did not originate from a sincere desire to preserve critically important open space and quality of life for residents of Warwick South East."

Mr. Scott responded: "The actual discussion and negotiation of the proposal of switching the development from Southlands to Morgan's Point was mine.

"It was based on, as I explained publicly, the study that we had done when I was Premier, which outlined how a hotel, housing, golf course, arena and other amenities could all be developed on that site (Morgan's Point).

"While other groups were attacking the entrepreneurs, I was talking to them. That really makes a difference — they were very receptive when we were able to give recommendations of how we might go forward."

Mr. Scott said after canvassing the public during his time as Premier he concluded that relocating the Jumeirah project to Morgan's Point would be a "win-win solution for all involved".

He said discussions had been in process since then, adding: "The UBP have never discussed the negotiations and the exchange of that site in such a comprehensive way."

Mr. Simons listed a number of reasons showing why he believed residents should not expect the switch:

¦ Jumeirah is still promoting the Southlands development plan on its website and has said nothing publicly about its enthusiasm and support for a switch to Morgan's Point

¦ The PLP has never reversed its support for the idea of developing Southlands

n It took 30 minutes of TV time in August to persuade Bermuda that a Jumeirah resort at Southlands was in the Island's best interest. It followed that broadcast with a Special Development Order, approved by the full Cabinet, for the 37-acre property

¦ Government's full endorsement of the Jumeirah-Southlands development remains on You Tube, including Premier Ewart Brown's statement that it would be the 'centrepiece of a nationwide tourism revitalisation project'."

Mr. Simons added: "A switch would be enormously complex to complete. It will take a Government totally committed to making it happen. We don't believe this Government is even remotely interested in making it happen, particularly given the nakedly political calculation that triggered Mr. Scott's floater after the SDO came out.

"Since January, the United Bermuda Party has been on record for the purchase of Southlands as a national park for the people of Warwick to enjoy and relax with their families."

Mr. Scott argued: "I'm definitely encouraged by two recent observations by the Premier."

He said these were that a committee has been established involving Government and the Premier; and in the past few days Dr. Brown has said Government will proceed with sustainable development recommendations.

"Government is now moving in a comprehensive manner towards accomplishing what is a very complex exchange," said Mr. Scott. "This group, in the interests of Bermuda, are considering probably putting at some risk the large amount of funds they have invested in Southlands. They didn't have to do it. I wish to thank them for listening to my suggestion and meeting with Government."