Junior Tourism Minister Marc Bean yesterday described a group campaigning to save the Southlands estate as "very discredited" and a "muppet show".

He told the Senate he could not take Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce seriously as it was selective in its protests.

But BEST chairman Stuart Hayward hit back by saying those in power should not resort to name calling.

He told The Royal Gazette: "When government leaders stoop to attacking the messenger, not only are they setting a poor example as leaders, it's a tacit admission that the message is on target."

BEST's relaunched bid to save the Southlands estate from hotel development came up during the motion to adjourn debate in the Upper Chamber.

The campaign was kick-started again over fears that a land swap deal between Government and the owners of Southlands — which would allow the greenfield Warwick estate to be turned into a national park and a resort to be built instead on Morgan's Point — could fall through.

Those against the development of Southlands are urged to sign an online petition, e-mail Cabinet Ministers and their MPs and attend a public event on March 21.

Senator Bean claimed BEST was a "very discredited group". "They are worrying about their own little cubby hole space," he said. "All of a sudden they find reason to come and protest over Southlands. I take real issue with that. It is a muppet show, a puppet show."

Home Affairs Minister David Burch said protesters were being rude in their e-mails. "The Government has not made a decision on the swap with Southlands," he said.

"It has said we cannot give over 80 acres at Morgan's Point and not know what we are going to put there. That does not make logical sense."

Attorney General Kim Wilson said of the e-mails. "What I find offensive is not just the tone of the e-mail but the innuendo and suggestion that I am not interested in the environment of the country.

"The Government has made it clear that we can only enter into negotiations on a land swap subject to a number of conditions being met. The first is 'what are you planning to do with the 80 acres?'"

Mr. Hayward responded: "Judging from the extent of comments from Government senators, this issue has caught them on the back foot. We agree with Sen. Bean. We are selective in our protests and are no different than Government ministers having specific portfolios to which they speak. As for his name calling, he is exhibiting the very behaviour his fellow senators are complaining about."

The BEST chairman said those writing to the leaders of the country should be respectful. "However, we can appreciate that for some people, their frustration is so close to the surface it may bubble up inappropriately — indeed some of our leaders have had this affliction.

"Still, there is no excuse for being disrespectful and we urge members of the public to treat the targets of their e-mails and letters with the same respect they would wish for themselves."