“The Special Development Order (SDO) for Southlands could prove to be a disaster of momentous proportions,” said Anglican Bishop Ewen Ratteray. “It would take up all of that green space if it happens. The Minister of Environment has not approved it yet and I hope she says no.”

The Bishop’s comments were made during an interview following his announcement he will retire next year. With his usual straight-forward demeanour and with the conviction of his prayer and faith, he tackled many of the social and moral issues currently facing the Island — see the Monday Interview for the full coverage. The topic of overbuilding is one that truly concerns the Bishop because of the threat it poses to Bermuda’s culture and he feels that the Island might lose its identity.

“There is a need to look at the overbuilding,” he said. “We have a finite space and we must make sure we do not fill every square inch of this place. We tend to think Bermuda is much bigger than it really is. Going up and up is not the answer.

“In the end, I feel strongly that Bermuda will lose and will kill off the Bermuda as we know it. The goose won’t lay the golden egg.”

Earlier this year an SDO was requested to build a controversial 300-suite Jumeirah Southlands luxury resort on 37-acres of open space in Warwick. Environmentalists and residents have campaigned against the decision saying it will destroy the shore line and natural habitats.

However, the decision is in the hands of the Environmental Minister Neletha Butterfield who has recently approved an SDO for the Golden Hind, a property next to the proposed site for Southlands, and has removed a historical building — ‘Queen of the East’ — from protected status.

“I am willing to condemn or congratulate,” he said. “The previous premier, Alex Scott, started what I thought was a fantastic idea — sustainable development.

“And see here I am willing to give a good remark. But where has that gone? It had the potential to move us forward and to control the building on the Island.

“We have a finite space and we must make sure we do not fill every square inch of this place.”