Former Opposition Leader and now Senator, Michael Dunkley, has expressed displeasure in the way which the Bermuda Cement Company (BCC) was forced out of Bermuda's only cement plant.

Former head Jim Butterfield and 12 other shareholders unhappy with a new lease for the plant ended a six-year dispute with landlord WEDCO by selling their shares in the company.

The new and remaining shareholders in BCC have now formed a new company called Maxcem which has signed a contract with WEDCO to operate the plant until June 30.

Sen. Dunkley stated: "I'm just a little bit curious as to the reasons for the Bermuda Cement Company having their feet held to the fire with terms and conditions relating to lease renewal.

"Those terms and conditions would have meant having the cement silos removed by demolishing them or having them rebuilt in another area."

Since the forming of Maxcem, WEDCO has allowed the company to keep the silos in Dockyard and has taken a more conciliatory approach to the company.

Sen. Dunkley questioned: "I'm curious to see why there's such a shift in policy as far as cement goes. Up until the change at the end of the year, the construction industry appeared to be well-served.

"Because of how the original company was treated, there needs to be some clarification from WEDCO or the Government on why there was a change of heart.

"And because of some of the individuals involved in the new company, their associations with people in Government it would be in the best interest of the Government to clarify this."