that the Island's tourist industry had declined because of complacency. He claimed there had been a lack of consultation with partners in the tourism industry before the bill was tabled.

Government had first announced the Marriott Castle Harbour deal seven months ago and there was a feeling that Mr. Allen was a minister who could not close a deal, Mr. Dodwell said.

Mr. Dodwell said he was glad Government was concentrating on five star hotels but it was no good attracting five star hotels if we have a three star infrastructure. Big hotels needed a five-star environment.

Claiming Government had no masterplan for tourism, Mr. Dodwell challenged Mr.

Allen to accept the report of the conduit group.

He added: "We hope this is the end of the decline. We hope we will have a five star infrastructure with five star hotels. Once the infrastructure and product are there, the airlift will follow.'' He claimed the concession programme would lead to a backlash by other tourist-related businesses who do not get the breaks, such as restaurants, nightclubs and water sports companies.

"It is going to cause retailers to say `I can't operate a shop in the new Marriott Castle Harbour. They got the concessions but I didn't''. He said it was important there was a level playing field.

Mr. Dodwell said the minimum investment of $1 million to get the concessions would be too expensive for smaller properties, and their owners would lobby Government to reduce the figure.

Mr. Dodwell said he was also puzzled about how the occupancy tax breaks would affect hoteliers since it was paid directly to Government and questioned whether hoteliers could charge the full rate but pay a lesser rate to Government.

It also had to address questions of work permits and freedom of labour if these projects go ahead.

Development Minister Terry Lister described the bill as "brilliant example of what the PLP is about''.

He said some of the concessions would be available on a piecemeal basis, depending on circumstances.

He said tourism over the last 20 years had been a "nightmare'' because former Premier Sir David Gibbons had let the industry slide while trying to convert the Island into a high finance centre.

He praised Mr. Dodwell for trying to change the thinking when he was in Government, even though he did not succeed in turning around the numbers.

Mr. Lister said Bermudians had voted with their feet by leaving the industry and it was Government's job to get them back.

He agreed that quality needed to improve as it was pointless to go abroad and sell the Island if the infrastructure is not there.

But rather than talk about infrastructure as a "finger-pointing exercise, we're going to circle the wagons and get on board together''.

The idea of villas in hotel complexes tied in carefully with helping the hotel developers finance the building process and financing.

Mr. Lister said that even in countries where a worker earned $200 a year, there was no shame in charging $200 a night.

Because it was difficult for hotels to make a profit in such an expensive country as Bermuda, it was right that they should recoup extra money through villas.

In terms of concessions for new hotels, he said nobody would get anything out if the empty hotels sites remain that way.

Likewise, concessions on alcohol had a multiplier effect. Drink would be cheaper so people would spend more, more Bermudian entertainers would be employed and they would be liable for payroll tax.

Admitting service was a problem in Bermuda, he said that was why Government was embracing new hotel initiatives where developers promised to extensively train staff.

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said Mr. Allen deserved praise for bringing peaceful industrial relations in the hospitality industry.

In terms of alleged lack of vision, he said that after 18 months in Government, there were some Opposition MPs who did not believe the PLP was capable of a vision.

Dr. Brown said: "This sends a message to potential hotel developers around the world that Bermuda has awakened, that we no longer have the smug attitude that the world will come to us.

He said the Atlantis development in the Bahamas had shown that Bahamians were capable of doing the top jobs in the industry. Bermuda could emulate this.

He said he had talked to taxi drivers and bus drivers to ensure transport will be delivered "with professionalism, class and a smile.'' He said young people had been turned off the hospitality industry because under the UBP their hopes of advancement had been crushed.

When he was at school, children realised tourism put food on the table and if a visitor was lost the child would make sure he gave him directions.

But he said a "concrete wall'' rather than a glass ceiling had been established in the hospitality industry and these young people had to be re-energised.

"We are going into the educational institutions to turn it around so our people come out prepared to serve and strengthen our country.'' Smith's South UBP MP Trevor Moniz said people's attitudes cannot be blamed on a Government.

Referring to the concessions, he said; "This talk of `we're open for business' sounds like doing deals. I don't like it, it stinks. It smells.'' Mr. Moniz criticised the fact that hoteliers who do not get concessions have no right to challenge Mr. Allen's decision. He predicted there would be a backlash because of that.

In the interests of natural justice, Mr. Allen should explain himself if he approved concessions for one property but turned down a similar application from another businessman.

He predicted the bill would leave Government open to challenges from the big hotel chains who could employ expensive lawyers if they thought rivals were getting a better deal.

David Dodwell: `Must be a level playing field' Terry Lister: `What the PLP is all about