Dear Sir,

I am writing in response to The Royal Gazette article of Tuesday, December 23, 2025, regarding Southlands.

As we press onwards through this holiday season and into the new year ahead, it is important to explain to all of Bermuda what exactly was planned for Southlands that the National Parks Commission turned down and to further respond to what exactly those who protested and petitioned had rallied against.

So let's clarify a few misconceptions.

Bermuda is the only major island tourism destination in the Atlantic and Caribbean regions which services both air and cruise ship visitors that does not have a single solitary zip line attraction.

As some readers have pointed out, we do have beautiful beaches, a plethora of water sport activities, golf courses, forts to explore and Railway Trails to walk and enjoy as well as our aquarium/zoo, the BUEI and a handful of museums. But beyond these and some great dining and the bars, and shopping, that's about it.

What we do lack, on our island's shores, is an all-family Inclusive, type of outdoor adventure experiences that global travellers have come to expect, something for all ages 4 and up!

Our intended zip lines are not just short runs, between points A to B, as many have assumed. These are actually four very carefully planned, nature friendly, completely separate experiences, which have been designed to preserve the park, showcasing its stunning trees and all with very little actual land being used. In fact, we are using less than one acre of the 38 acres on the property.

This provides everyone, from all age groups and skill and ability levels, to have something uniquely geared to them to do. In fact, each of these will take between 45 minutes and up to two and a half hours to actually complete.

It is not a five to ten minute thrill ride as many have alluded to. In all, there will be a combined total of 3 1/2 miles of aerial zip line adventures.

It's important to know that through extremely well planned conservation methods and by following zip line industry standards, we are not cutting down the trees, heaven forbid. Being in the trees is what true zip lines are all about. Trees are a necessity to a true canopy zip line experience, which allows the participant to get into the canopy.

In addition, rest assured, all of our supports are non-permanent structures, completely made of wood poles and platforms, not as many have imagined or stated in videos as being made of concrete and steel. It is our mandate to preserve the natural flora and fauna and keep it natural.

Our builder, American Adventure Park Systems (AAPS) is one of the leading ACCT approved professional vendors. Additionally, they have built zip line attractions in a number of state parks in the US. They also own and operate Historic Banning Mills in Whitesburg, Georgia.

Since the beginning, it has been our intention to support our community and we plan to work with and support all of our local schools by offering both Stem education and nature class opportunities. So please, consider this, as we are geared for all ages 4 and up and we promote both individual self-esteem, self-confidence and can provide team building experiences to our schools from September through early May as well as partnering with viable youth programmes and corporate conference groups.

Where is the drawback?

Another considerable factor to weigh is that unlike our beautiful water adventures, which inevitably shut down every year in the autumn due to rough seas and unpredictable weather and the fact that yes, it gets cold here, so unless they are from Canada or the north, many people do not gravitate to the water.

As our zip lines can remain open, year-round, this provides opportunities for not just our island's residents but enhances our visitors’ experiences with an acceptable and exciting outdoor adventure to enjoy during our shoulder season as well.

Especially when you consider that many of our autumn and winter events such as the World Rugby Classic and PGA Grand Slam all bring families here. The possible arrival of major tennis coming back in 2026 will add to that.

I don't know about you but like most people I'd rather get outdoors during a visit than be stuck in my hotel or guest house with the family while on a vacation or even at home during the school holidays.

Many people over the last few weeks have brought up the F&F factor. It might be of interest to all of your readers, to know that from our conception, as this is planned to go into a national park, which belongs to everyone in Bermuda, that EDI Bermuda has been offering everyone the opportunity to actually be a part of this through our Plank Owner Membership initiatives.

What does that mean exactly? Everyone in Bermuda can actually benefit from this. As a plank owner, not only do you get to be a part of this, get discounts on each visit as well as receive invites to all our special programmes, you also earn dividends. Yes, you can actually own a share in this.

EDI Bermuda/the Escape from Devils Isle as it is known, is owned by Bermudians, not some private conglomerate or corporation.

We have been negotiating with family-orientated non-profits to help support them through a variety of programmes. Simply put, we have recognised how we can help channel and provide Bermuda's youth with a great recreational outlet, provide job opportunities both full and part-time with Internationally recognised training with applicable credits towards degrees in outdoor education and supporting all of our island’s tourism as well.

Here are the benefits folks, preserving Southlands, protecting its forest and renovating buildings that are in decay, which will ultimately have to be destroyed if nature doesn't do it first. Supporting both our tourism and our island as a new and sought-after adventure outlet and working to better the lives of others.

Rest assured, the forest and lands of Southlands are not going to be harmed and none of the courses interrupt the existing walking trails and quarry gardens recently revealed by the clearing done on the estate. Which to be crystal clear, has nothing to do with the zip lines.

Additionally, the intended parking area which has been proposed is on the shore side of South Road in the existing open area where many folks already park. It is not going inside of Southlands and the Government did a study regarding the traffic flow.

If your readers desire to discover even more information regarding our proposal, please go to our website www.escapefromdevilsisle.com for more information.

We Hope to see you all in the trees sometime soon.

Dean Bottomley is the founder of Escape from Devils Isle Bermuda.