Dear Sir,

We were surprised, shocked and somewhat alarmed at the advert requesting the development of Mangrove Bay in The Royal Gazette on Tuesday, August 18.

This year, we attended a meeting held by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) here in Somerset. At the meeting, the large majority felt that post-hurricane cleanup of the beach was needed. Even more important, it was unanimously agreed that the many wonderful historic coconut trees lost should be replanted.

Once this was achieved, the great majority at the meeting felt that this wonderful natural asset should be left as is — “unspoilt, unhurried, uncommon” — to be enjoyed as it always has been: an uncommercialised natural gem appreciated by locals and tourists alike. Keep in mind also, this is where generations of Somerset children first learn to swim — among turtles and seahorses, no less.

The cleanup took place a month ago and, meanwhile, coconut trees are being charitably rounded up to be planted in the autumn. Tree-planting experts have offered to donate their services in this effort.

The aforementioned advert seems to want to sweep aside all these efforts of concerned residence and press on with the type of commercialisation that was rejected at the meeting. We had also been told that there would be further meetings after the cleanup and tree restoration had taken place.

Now concerned groups and residents object to the rushed approach the BEDC seems to be taking before a proper environmental plan is in place. We urge that it reconsiders this approach and has another meeting. There are many beaches in the West End that have the potential and the room for what the BEDC is trying to do with vendors, etc.

VERY CONCERNED SOMERSET RESIDENTS