Environmentalists and those who worked with former Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson expressed regret yesterday at his dismissal.

Premier Jennifer Smith fired Mr. Hodgson on Monday because he did not resign before or after he unsuccessfully challenged her for leadership of the Progressive Labour Party.

The Premier denied she was being vindictive and punishing Mr. Hodgson for standing against her, and claimed it was a convention in Westminster type democracies for Cabinet ministers to stand down if they challenge the leader to maintain Cabinet unity.

However, PLP insiders -- who describe Ms Smith as autocratic -- said the sacking was to send out a warning to others that they will be harshly dealt with if they challenge her leadership.

Development and Opportunity Minister Terry Lister will take over responsibility for the environment.

In a letter to The Royal Gazette , W.A. (Toppy) Cowen, the former chairman of Flatts Development Committee, said: "All over the Island, environmentalists will undoubtedly be shocked over the ouster of Mr. Hodgson.

"Flatts Development Committee worked with this gentleman during my tenure as chairman and has the utmost respect for his vision and encouragement as our group attempted to rejuvenate our historic village. He will truly be missed by those who supported his efforts.

"With the recent power struggle within the PLP, surely the delegates must understand blind obedience is not the way to go.

"The real leaders should be asking themselves what is the key ingredient that will convince Bermudians that they are taking the right direction. The present direction is blowing in the wind.

"Our leaders would be more popular if they focused on Bermuda's prosperity, the enthusiasm for life, and assisting us socially and economically.

"Chopping off the legs of those who challenge the leadership of the country is not sound judgment. As the Bible says, no one follows an uncertain trumpet.

Environmentalists dismayed at Hodgson firing "Leadership is having a clear vision, articulating it well with all the members of Government and its people, and not instilling fear in those who don't go along with their agenda. The Hon. Arthur Hodgson will be missed.'' Fraser Butterworth, President and Secretary of the Institute of Bermuda Architects, said his organisation was non-political, but it was full of praise for Mr. Hodgson.

"We had a great deal of contact with Arthur Hodgson and always found him to be intelligent, agreeable and approachable,'' he said.

"He had a legal background, he reacted to criticism well, and we are a bit concerned that someone else will have to learn the ropes of a complicated ministry.

"To find him not there is a bit of a blow. We are not sure combining the ministries will necessarily make happy bedfellows. Environmental issues are often in conflict with development issues and the community may need the extra filter that environment will bring.'' But environmentalist Stuart Hayward, a former Independent MP, was equivocal in his assessment of Mr. Hodgson.

He said: "I have mixed feelings. I thought he was the best articulator of the concept of sustainable development I've heard in a couple of decades.'' Mr. Hayward said he was concerned about some planning decisions taken by Mr.

Hodgson, or which indirectly affected the minister.

While Mr. Hodgson was on holiday, Acting Environment Minister Nelson Bascome overturned Planning objections to an extension to Mr. Hodgson's church -- leading to Opposition charges that he was doing Mr. Hodgson's dirty work for him.

Last month, Mr. Hodgson overturned a Planning stop notice to allow PLP MP Arthur Pitcher to carry on work at the house of Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown.

Mr. Hayward said: "Some of the decisions he made were regretfully more parochial than in the country's best interests.

"We were getting used to Mr. Hodgson, but ministerial change is not unusual.

The environmental movement needs to make sure the new minister hears from them and understands we are very interested and there are issues that need attention.

"It is not such a disaster as an opportunity. The important thing is get a reasonable, level-headed person who doesn't have direct associations with construction industry, or isn't a development person, and who is not likely to be totally opposed to sound environmental principles.'' Bermuda National Trust director Amanda Outerbridge refused to comment on the sacking as BNT is a non-political organisation.

But she said the Trust was looking forward to meeting Mr. Lister, who administers Government's annual grant to the heritage organisation through his Cultural Affairs portfolio.

BNT worked productively with Government on a number of initiatives and looked forward to working with Mr. Lister.