An expert is being brought in to examine the rate of growth of tourism development on the Island, it emerged last night.

The Premier's Press Secretary Glenn Jones moved to clarify his earlier statement in which he said a consultant was being called in "to help the country achieve controlled phased growth".

On Monday, The Royal Gazette published an article in which we stated that Premier Ewart Brown was to bring in an "internationally-renowned" economics expert to cool down the nation's economy.

The Royal Gazette reporter had asked Mr. Jones: "I understand the Premier has commissioned an economic expert to look into reducing development in Bermuda in order to prevent the economy from overheating. Who is he and where is he from?"

Mr. Jones replied: "The Government has sought the services of an expert who will help the country achieve controlled phased growth. This is a calculated approach to ensure Bermuda's infrastructure will not be overwhelmed. This is the only information I can offer on the topic at this time."

Mr. Jones yesterday explained that the consultant was in fact "a development expert" and was not 'economic'.

He said: "The Premier has called upon a development expert to assist in sensitively phasing Bermuda's growth in areas like hotel construction. As leader of the country the Premier is taking steps to ensure Bermuda's growth is prudent, especially in the area of tourism where he has responsibility."

The consultant is to look at hotel development and other "areas", but this newspaper was unable to gain more information on what these areas are, and who and where the expert is from. Cabinet was in session and other senior figures were representing Government at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

Opposition leader Michael Dunkley said last night that Government needed to explain who it was bringing in and why.

"The main concern for us is that the Government has allowed a confusing situation to develop with regards to the overall economic planning for the country," he said. "We call on the Government to speak clearly to the issue."

Tourism Minister Dr. Brown has faced criticism over his plans to expand resort development, due to fears that additional construction could place a strain on the Island's infrastructure.

Some residents have expressed concern about the impact of more overseas workers on demand for housing and other services, as well as traffic congestion.

Mr. Dunkley claimed yesterday that the Government appeared to be at odds with itself over hotel development.

"We find it odd for Dr. Brown to be suddenly calling in an expert to slow down the economy when he and his Environment Minister, Neletha Butterfield, have been handing out Special Development Orders like there was no tomorrow," he said.

"We also have to question the Premier's motivations in this new hiring. Only a few months ago, Minister Cox's spokesmen said they did not see any overheating problems with the economy.

"What gives? It seems the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. The government must explain itself."

The United Bermuda Party leader added that it appeared the Cabinet Office was taking over some control of economic planning, an area normally the responsibility of the Minister of Finance.

"Is there a reason for this?" he asked, adding: "We urge the government to take time out to explain what's going on. It can be either Dr. Brown or Ms. Cox but someone has to step forward to clear up the mess."

The Royal Gazette was unable to gain a Government response yesterday as to whether the rate of resort development may now be slowed down.

In Monday's article, we reported comments by Arthur Hodgson, chairman of the Sustainable Development Roundtable, who said: "The Premier has indicated to me that he's getting an internationally-renowned person to deal with the rate of development on the Island.''

The piece also contained the views of Craig Simmons, a lecturer in economics at Bermuda College, who said: "It is widely accepted that the economy is already overheated. The big issue is how to cool it off."