Electric cars could be built in Bermuda if proposals to develop part of the US Base lands come to fruition, it was revealed this week. Last month Government unveiled its `broad use plan' for the four former bases -the three US bases plus the old Canadian camp - which it believes could create up to 3,000 jobs.

And this week it was revealed that talks have taken place over proposals to assemble electric cars as well as package pharmaceuticals at new buildings on the old Naval Air Base. In addition, two outline ideas have been discussed for the Annex base which are for recreational use. Parts for the electric cars would be imported into Bermuda where the vehicles would be assembled for export. Medicines would be re-packaged on the Island and also exported.

Government's plan for the bases, which equal about one-tenth of Bermuda's total land mass, set aside land for tourism, recreational, industrial, commercial, high-tech and residential use.

Proper development of the land is seen as vital if the $50 million pumped into the Bermuda economy annually by base personnel is to be recouped.

Mr. Ken Stubbins, manager of the Land Development Transition Office, which is setting up the Land Development Corporation (LDC) to manage, finance, market and develop the base lands, said he was pleased with progress so far.

"Considering that we have not aggressively started a marketing programme there have been a number of enquiries both at Ministerial level and at our office,'' he said. The interest has come from both abroad and within Bermuda.

"It is very encouraging. We think that both the Daniel's Head and Annex sites are world-class sites from the point of view of locale.'' He said he had two main objectives -- to get the LDC up and running and to bring buildings on stream as quickly as possible to generate revenue and create employment.

In the short-term, parts of the bases will be let out to local businesses for use such as warehouses and storage, but they will be on short contracts.

Mr. Jeff Simon, an American brought in as the Transition Office deputy manager for his vast experience in redeveloping military bases in America, said the potential for the Island's old bases was phenomenal.

"It is to be expected that when you live in a country which every day has tremendous views and great weather, where the people are friendly and caring, at some point all that will be taken for granted.

"But as someone coming in from outside, the potential for taking all that and using it to attract development for the future of Bermuda is phenomenal,'' he said.

Bermuda, he added, had a unique product and one that would be able to compete with areas worldwide wanting to redevelop former military bases, as armies began to contract.

"I am very optimistic about the future of the bases. The Government is fully committed to developing them, the economy is strong, there is a stable society and wonderful people,'' said Mr. Simon.

"There is also a recognition of the importance of these bases for the long term and therefore people are willing to plan for the long-term.

"I think there is a real appreciation that this is a very special opportunity for Bermuda that will not come again and that has to be handled very professionally, in a way that is right for Bermuda.''