Catchment Hill. There have been repeated reports throughout the community that Government will allow a compromise development of the catchment area which is already under concrete. But according to the Environment Minister: "How it will be zoned is still under review at this point.'' It may be that Government is faced with a problem it will have difficulty solving. The public today is aware of how little open space remains in Bermuda and many people are opposed to this scheme. But there are repeated reports, which we cannot verify, that promises were made to the owners of the land as part of the redevelopment of the hotel into the Marriott Castle Harbour.

Decision or not, Catchment Hill and the whole future of the area which is visible from much of the eastern parishes, is of great concern. That concern was amply witnessed by the 4,000 name petition opposing Catchment Hill development which was presented to Mr. Simons. A Planning questionnaire on the development showed strong support for leaving the site as open space and the Mid Ocean Club and its area members are adamant in their protests against development. Parliament ordered a review of the zoning some six months ago.

The Catchment Hill situation is complicated because the owners are non-Bermudian and development of the land would present little benefit for Bermudians especially if the units are high-priced for non-Bermudians. There is little need for new housing at this time and many people feel Bermuda should only build when there is real need.

The huge piece of land was originally set aside because it was of benefit to tourism at a time when Bermuda very much wanted to develop its industry. Some will argue that people who occupy the units benefit Bermuda because they become a kind of permanent visitor. It will also be argued that there will be temporary construction jobs for Bermudians while the project is progressing but those jobs have only a short-term benefit.

More than half the 38-acre Tucker's Town site has been zoned as residential and a refusal of development will inevitably raise the vexed question of compensation for those people whose land cannot be developed. Political realities being what they are today, there is likely to be a good deal of protest if Government decides to compensate non-Bermudians because they cannot develop part of Bermuda, no matter what moral duty Bermuda may have.

Six months would seem to be more than adequate time for a decision. Maybe Government is hoping that the issue will simply go away. We think the choice is very clear. Developing Catchment Hill is not in the best interests of Bermudians at this time. It could be said that development is like Independence, once you develop there is no turning back.