More than 3,400 people signed a Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) petition to 'Save South Shore' in the battle to preserve Southlands as one of the Island's last remaining areas of open space.

Yesterday, it appeared that 'people power' had won the day as Premier Dr. Ewart Brown said it was "most likely" that the 37-acre estate would now become a national park.

Dr. Brown described the South Shore estate in Warwick as a "gorgeous piece of property and beach", and said it represented "a critical area of forestation that provides the equivalent of an environmental buffer to some of the effects of development that have grown up around it more than the years".

However, when The Royal Gazette asked him whether he agreed the original Special Development Order for a hotel on the property was a mistake, the Premier said: "No. It wasn't a mistake."

When asked 'Why not?', Dr. Brown said: "Because it wasn't a mistake."

He then told the Press: "All of these SDOs are done, despite the fact they are too quick for some, a lot have been done with quite a bit of consultation, brain power, etc.. But the exclusion of some people from the process because they don't occupy the position they used to, causes them to think the process has been rushed."

Asked whether Southlands would now become a national park, Dr. Brown said: "Most likely. That is the intention."

Yesterday's announcement of a land swap between the 37-acre Southlands estate, owned by Southlands Ltd., and 80 acres of Government-owned brownfield land at Morgan's Point will be cheered by environmentalists, conservationists, and the residents of Warwick alike.

Campaigners against the Jumeirah Southlands resort fought a lengthy battle to make their voices heard, holding roadside protests, concerts, and even candlelit vigils, organised by BEST and members of the public.

One demonstration last July even transformed the area earmarked for the cliffside resort into "an environmental crime scene", with yellow tape stretched along a stretch of South Road.

It was only after public opposition to the Jumeirah Southlands resort snowballed, that former Premier Alex Scott revealed the concerns of his Warwick South constituents had pushed him to suggest Morgan's Point as an alternative to developers.

And so began a lengthy negotiation process between the Jumeirah Group, Southlands Ltd. and Government.

Announcing the land transfer yesterday, the Premier said: "It seems like a long time ago that one of the least-known tracts of land in Bermuda was catapulted to the headlines and became a household name, having enjoyed decades of anonymity as a private piece of land.

"Southlands will never again be anonymous, particularly now as we reveal a plan that will shift that gorgeous piece of property and beach from private hands into the hands of every Bermudian. I am pleased to announce today that the Government of Bermuda and the owners of Southlands have agreed to a swap.

"Southlands occupies a pristine section of Bermuda's South Shore, referred to by some as our 'Gold Coast'. However one views it, the land is prime real estate, ideally sited for multi-purpose use and zoned for tourism on a large portion."

Dr. Brown said: "Although the area has always been privately owned, it represents a critical area of forestation that provides the equivalent of an environmental buffer to some of the effects of development that have grown up around it more than the years. The dilemma of much-needed tourism development, taken with the very real concern of preserving open space, is one with which many governments in the region have to grapple and ours is no different.

"Governing is about achieving balance and in this swap the Government has done just that. We have achieved a number of aims.

"First, the Government has demonstrated considerable acumen in securing pristine private land for public good.

"Secondly, a vision is now pursued for the development of Morgan's Point. And Bermuda's tourism gains the opportunity for a fresh, new golf product that can thrive in all seasons."

Dr. Brown said: "The uniqueness of this development opportunity is first and foremost that it is driven entirely by Bermudians. That is something of which we should be immensely proud."

The Premier was referring to developers Craig Christensen, Brian Duperreault and Nelson Hunt of Southlands Ltd. — owners of the Southlands estate.

He added: "Additionally, as part of this arrangement, this Government has insisted, and the developers have agreed, Bermudians will participate in the project at many different levels."