Questioning Ewart Brown

The Government has received 14 expressions of interest from organisations interested in redeveloping the Club Med property, at least six of which are from “significant brands”.

The announcement was made by Premier Ewart Brown at a town hall meeting in St. George’s this evening covering transport and tourism issues. Dr. Brown promised that development will begin on at least three hotels in Bermuda in the next year, suggesting that figure would be higher if the Government could get more co-operation instead of “sabotage”. He also reiterated his pledge that the Club Med property will be among them.

Dr. Brown gave a professional and confident performance. To his credit, instead of giving a presentation, he spent the whole time answering questions on transport and tourism matters from the capacity audience. I made the most of the opportunity.

First, I asked what problems had prevented both the Quorum group and KJA development from meeting the Government’s requirements and timescales on the Club Med redevelopment, and why Dr. Brown was confident that the next developer wouldn’t encounter the same problems. Dr. Brown said that it wouldn’t be right for him to reveal financial details, revealing only that the Government had set certain milestones which the developers did not meet. He said that the quality of the new applicants is why he is so confident that the next developer won’t suffer the same fate. When I suggested that the Quorum group had also been a quality applicant, he agreed, but said that media descriptions of them as the Four Seasons group were inaccurate, and he questioned the amount of money that they were reported to have spent on their proposal.

Another audience member then asked whether the Government has considered using a different tendering process, having several companies working on proposals simultaneously rather than granting exclusivity to one. Dr. Brown said that it doesn’t work like that because developers need to spend large amounts of money on things such as due diligence, possibly creating a problem if both subsequently met the government’s requirements.

I’m unconvinced by this. As both Quorum and KJA Development can attest, even a period of exclusivity offers no guarantees. Moreover, I used to work for a large computer company on a team which bid for high-value systems integration contracts in countries around the globe. We were always in competition with other consortia, and we would often spend large amounts of time and money bidding for contracts that we had no guarantee of winning. I don’t see why hotel development contracts should be any different.

For my second question, I reminded Dr. Brown of his pledge to raise air arrivals to 400,000 by the end of next year and asked whether he was still committed to that target and whether he thought it was still achievable. He responded with an emphatic “yes” on both points, although he said that the closure of the Wyndham would make this more difficult. “But I’m prepared to take the hit if it’s 399,995,” he joked.

None of the questions that Dr. Brown was asked by the audience were dismissed as being of the plantation variety. I was impressed. Indeed, I have to admit that I left the session slightly star-struck, wondering if perhaps it wasn’t a good thing that Dr. Brown is now Bermuda’s Premier, after all. Tonight’s meeting certainly reinforced my belief that Dr. Brown is smart enough and quick-witted enough to answer any question without the need to resort to the “plantation” defence. Indeed, I think he’d project an even more powerful image if he did (even if he still believed that the motive for the question was racial).

Finally, Dr. Brown said that he will be making an announcement next week “that will make all of you proud to be Bermudians”. He said that he couldn’t reveal more details now for reasons of confidentiality, but promised that it would disprove some of the negative newspaper headlines that we have seen in the past. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Comments

[Lost in Flatts on 30.11.06 at 05:05]

Finally, Dr. Brown said that he will be making an announcement next week “that will make all of you proud to be Bermudians”.

...and we're indedependent ;)

[The Christian Fist of Gratitude on 30.11.06 at 08:37]

Might be an idea if we did some due diligence on the snake oil salemen that are lining up to plonk developments all over the South Shore and St Georges.

EB is well known in the airlines biz as not being a details person - it took me 20 minutes to determine that KJA would struggle to build a sandcastle let alone something more ambitious yet what is the opportunity cost that we have lost?

[Tiger Bay on 30.11.06 at 09:06]

I am proud to be a Bermudian this week. But good news is always welcome!

[Ali on 30.11.06 at 09:49]

I would suggest that St. Georges be given some money ( something significant like $10-$20 million) to make some major improvements, a marina would be a big plus. The place has been neglected for so long and if we want a major hotel development there would it not make sense to get the town in shape first? This is not a criticism of the people of St. Georges but it could use some sprucing up. As a world heritage site it deserves more. We have the new EEZ in Hamilton, let's do something for other parts of the island.

[Martin on 30.11.06 at 10:57]

"I was impressed. Indeed, I have to admit that I left the session slightly star-struck, wondering if perhaps it wasn’t a good thing that Dr. Brown is now Bermuda’s Premier, after all".

Steady Phil....steady! Don't loose your nerve.

At this rate, there will be nothing left to argue about!

[bermudacop on 30.11.06 at 18:47]

I was there too and I agree that Dr Brown did a very good job, came across as affable and interested in the questioners perceptions. He didn't mention race once or even allude to it. Thats the first time I have ever heard him do that and I was impressed.

[tonyb on 02.12.06 at 12:39]

Phil:
Beware of the charismatics...they suck you in and have you on theri side...then they slap you in the face with their true spots....

TB

[enigma on 04.12.06 at 10:56]

Phil,

I wonder are you still "Slightly Star Struck" after Dr. Browns performance on Friday? Be afraid - Be very afraid!

[Lost in Flatts on 04.12.06 at 13:10]

Whatever you do, don't ask him questions about THE foundation, he doesn't seem to take kindly to those!

[Richard Johnson on 30.01.07 at 13:03]

To me The Club Med and Southlands are the same thing, EB says, To justify developing Southlands " I wish I had more Hotel beds" Develop Club Med first before allowing Southlands to go ahead. AND what about the property in Flatts, a deal was agreed by Government and the builders/owners. Where is the Hotel???