Government appears to have granted a Special Development Order for Southlands.

Last night a senior official at the Ministry of the Environment said: “Sufficient environmental information was presented for development of the SDO.”

However, this was the only official response to rumours that Cabinet had approved the 37-acre South Shore resort. Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield, who has the final say, made no comment yesterday.

Craig Christensen of developers Southlands Ltd. had also not had a response. “We would have known if an official decision had been made,” he said. The controversial application for the 497-bed resort has provoked strong feelings on both sides.

Government says Jumeirah Southlands is needed to cater for the Island’s rising tourist numbers. It would be the first ‘luxury resort’ constructed in Bermuda for 35 years.

Environmental campaigners however, say the development will destroy one of the Island’s last remaining areas of open space.

More than 3,200 people have signed a petition by Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) to ‘Save the South Shore’.

Concern to protect the natural coastline was heightened last month when the Government approved an SDO for a nine-storey hotel next to Southlands, on the Golden Hind site. The 220-room Grand Atlantic Resort and Residences by Atlantic Development covers 13.1 acres.

Jumeirah Southlands would offer tourist accommodation in a variety of suites and condominiums. The 300-suite cliff side resort would feature five restaurants and bars, a nightclub, spa, swimming pools, equestrian centre and conference centre.

Dubai-based Jumeirah Group wants to open the resort by next summer, pending the SDO and approval of building permits.

Mr. Christensen, one of three owners of Southlands Ltd., said the complex would employ 590 full-time staff, with Bermudians given priority. An “unofficial” advertisement on the company’s website has already attracted more than 40 applicants.

Last night the chairman of BEST, Stuart Hayward, urged members of the public opposed to the development to lobby Premier Dr. Ewart Brown and Environment Minister Ms Butterfield.

“Recent events lead us to believe that the Bermuda Government is about to issue an SDO for the Southlands proposal,” he said.

“Not only does this fly in the face of common sense, given that one nine-storey hotel has been given permission via SDO to be built next door, but it would fly in the face of every consultative opinion, all expert advice and centuries of wisdom. And it would do so in a fashion that effectively shields the Government from being held accountable.

“It is outrageous that this Government, any government, would consider making such a major decision when an election is imminent; that would be a derogation of responsibility. Any such decision, purposefully made by any government at the tail end of its tenure, would be an unprecedented dereliction of duty.

“The entire community is aware that an election is imminent. However, once an election is called, the entire Cabinet ceases to be. So who will be left to be accountable for this decision? Who will answer to the ire and outrage of people who know what folly this decision will be?

“It would be unthinkable for a government in Bermuda to conduct itself so dishonourably,” said Mr. Hayward.

“We are highly suspicious that Premier Dr. Brown’s Cabinet would try to stave off public outcry by making this decision on the eve of an election, then folding its tents in the dead of night and stealing away. Thus we are in a state of high vigilance and wish to put the community on alert to what their Government might be planning to do.

“BEST calls upon the Government to make a decision that is in concert with, and can be supported by, the evidence and advice that has been formally presented. Moreover, BEST calls upon the Government to give its decision in a way that is honourable and responsible. BEST also strongly encourages the public to voice their opinion to the Minister of the Environment, Neletha Butterfield (nbutterfield@gov.bm), and Premier Dr. Brown (ebrown@gov.bm) by phone call, email or fax.”

A round-robin email by BEST also encouraged campaigners to “voice your protest against this decision now.” It reads: “We believe a decision by the Minister of the Environment issuing an SDO for the Southlands development is imminent.”

BEST is to broadcast the documentary ‘Southlands and South Shore’ on Sunday, July 22, at 7 p.m. on VSB.