In Bermuda, the Progressive Labour Party released a statement on behalf of Shadow Minister for Tourism Zane DeSilva challenging Minister for Tourism Development Shawn Crockwell to clear the air regarding development at the former Club Med site. In a December 12, 2014 speech to Parliament, Crockwell said St. Regis-Starwood Hotels & Resorts would manage the 0 million hotel, and that construction would begin early this year and be completed in 16 months.
However, DeSilva said, “The further revelation that no plans have been submitted to the Department of Planning creates an immediate need for Minister Crockwell to reassure Bermudians that the One Bermuda Alliance is telling the truth.” The OBA stands for the Progressive Labour Party.
DeSilva’s a statement said, “The air of mystery surrounding the potential development at Club Med is worrying in light of the thousands of Bermudians out of work and an Island desperate for an enhanced tourism product. The OBA’s record on honesty, openness, transparency and keeping their word is dismal and when, yet again, the words spoken by a member of the OBA don’t appear to match up with reality, Bermudians can’t help but think that they are being deceived again.”
A Tourism spokeswoman responded, “The Ministry is pleased with the progress that has been made thus far and the project is moving forward positively. The ministry remains committed to providing updates on the project at the appropriate times.”
Still, DaSilva said, “Media reports question the veracity of Minister Crockwell’s statements. The project should benefit all Bermudians and, as such, we all have a stake in its success. Is it too much to expect that if Minister Crockwell makes a statement that it can be supported by independently verifiable facts?”
