May 25, 2008

I would like for the Bermuda public to focus on the Port Royal Golf Course project. You know the one I am talking about, that $14 million plus revamp. That price will not cover the cost of what Dr. Ewart Brown has in mind. But what will cover the cost, in my estimation, is more like $50 million-plus.

Bermuda, I do not know how many of you have bothered to take a look at what is going on at Port Royal. But being interested and looking at it every day I cannot help but look at No. 5 fairway. That looks fairly good. But the rest of it is a complete mess. And as you view the backside, it is in the worst condition of all with nothing but piles of rouble everywhere.

The way I see it there was not enough planning involved in this project and no real input from us, the owners of this property (the people). First there is not enough heavy equipment on site to manage the project. This project needs at least eight to 10 bulldozers so that at least eight holes can be worked on and the others can be shaping other areas. I truly believe that very shortly the money earmarked for this project will run out and additional funds will have to be allocated to it. Probably we will never know the true costs involved unless we remove Dr. Brown from office and replace him with someone of integrity, honesty and love for the people and the growth of Bermuda.

Bermuda, this golf course will not be playable in the time frame that was first spoken of. If it is playable by June of 2009 you will be very fortunate. If this course opens too soon and is played, it will cause more damage. So if the course is used prematurely, there will be more costs involved and, more than likely, a closure for repairs which could set things back to maybe the end of 2009. Of course these are my opinions and it is my God given right to express them.

In reality this project was poorly planned. But then how many of Dr. Brown's plans are really fully thought out? On the back of Port Royal's closure, we hear that the St. George's golf course will be closing and that property will probably be given to the new owners of the proposed hotel. With that in mind Dr. Brown is taking us back to the 1960s when all we, the public, had was Ocean View Golf Course.

Of course many of us will not remember that era of time when so little was limited to so many. Dr. Brown and a group of eager beavers is fast producing regress at a time when the people are looking for progress. It appears to me that the physical growth of Bermuda is outgrowing mentality of the leaders. What a pity. But Bermuda remember, the power is still in our hands with the "X". It not only marks the spot, but dictates who will govern us.

My question is why are we allowing Dr. Brown to live out his boyhood dreams at such a great cost to us. Looking at this man and his aggressive attitude reminds me of King Soloman and if you read the Book of Ecclesiastes you will see what he became when he remembered who really was in command (GOD). Go right to the last verse. It reads: "For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil".

People of Bermuda it is okay to put your ear to the ground, but do not bury your head in the sand. It is time for the people of Bermuda to look forward to a unified Bermuda. For more clarity on division read in the book of Matthew 12:25-29. And then read in the book of Colossians 2: 8. You know the beautiful thing about the Bible is not only does it tell the truth of yesterday, but it reveals who we really are and more so we at Allen Temple are encouraged to read and study the Bible.

As a foot note it would be a grave mistake if we allow the people's money to pay for this course and then we will only be able to stand looking in the window at the food we paid for, but not allowed to enter and partake of the plate. On the other side of the coin here is some food for thought: will Port Royal be turned over to the new owners or potential owners of the Munro property?

People of Bermuda again I say take your head out of the ground. Think. Think and then act. God bless you all and press on.

A.E. WENDELL HASSELL

Sandys