The delay in passing Base lands legislation could deal a savage economic blow to Bermuda, developers fear.

And yesterday some swiped at politicians for jeopardising the Country for their own ends.

"It would be a tragedy if this bill gets derailed,'' said Alan Burland, who is helping to hammer out a development plan for the Bases.

Finance Minister Grant Gibbons sympathised with developers over the hold-up to The Base Lands Development Act 1996. "I'm concerned this could damage Bermuda's ability to redevelop the Base properties and damage our competitiveness from a tourism and international business point of view.'' On Saturday morning, Government was left reeling after five UBP rebels helped Opposition MPs halt debate on the legislation.

The bill would set up the Bermuda Land Development Company to manage the former Base lands.

Government rebels C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, Clarence Terceira, Ann Cartwright DeCouto, Dr. David Dyer and Trevor Moniz -- the so-called "People's Five'' -- backed an Opposition motion calling for MPs to rise and report progress on the bill. The motion succeeded 21 votes to 16 and the legislation is expected to be discussed again today.

MPs were in committee when the Opposition, who supported the idea for a Base lands company, became increasingly critical of parts of the bill.

Shadow Minister of Legislative Affairs and Women's Issues Lois Browne Evans pressed for Dr. Gibbons to table the proposed lease between Government and the company. It was ridiculous MPs should debate the bill without seeing the lease, she said.

Opposition MPs also voiced concern the legislation would allow any Government-owned land to be let to the company. And they questioned the proposal to lease land to the company for up to 131 years.

In addition, they called for the bill to safeguard the interests of Bermudians who claimed a moral right to the lands.

These were those who lost their homes in the compulsory purchase of St.

David's land in the darkest hours of World War II. They should receive first refusal on available property at the site, Opposition MPs argued.

Shadow Finance Minister Eugene Cox said such an assurance should be written into the legislation.

But Dr. Gibbons argued The Base Lands Development Act 1996 was the wrong legislation for such an insertion -- and the bill's draughtsman supported him on this.

Any additional rights should be included in the Acquisition of Land Act 1970, he said.

Mr. Burland, president of Beam Ltd, is part of one of six development teams shortlisted to submit proposals for Morgan's Point -- the former Naval Annex.

Yesterday, he expressed concern at events in the House.

"I am concerned at the way things are going. We had a meeting of local directors this morning, and we are concerned that if this bill does not go through a number of international partners may lose confidence.

"This adds another level of risk. It has been costing us a lot of money to put together a development plan for the site, and what has happened jeopardises all of our hard work.'' Mr. Burland said Government had been able to whip up a lot of excitement in the Base lands.

The properties provided the chance for Bermuda to earn foreign revenues and create jobs.

"Some developers could decide not to pursue the Base lands as an option if there is doubt around.

"It would be a great pity if we lose the opportunity and turn off developers.'' David Ezekiel, also a director of Beam Ltd., said: "We are in touch daily with overseas developers.

"The overseas groups will stick with the Base lands as long as they think things are going to work out. What happened in Parliament creates uncertainty.'' Dr. Gibbons said such concern was understandable since Government was in the middle of a tendering process for Morgan's Point and Daniel's Head. And this week a group of technical experts was to meet in Bermuda to work out details for the evaluation of development proposals for the two sites.

The bill was an important step in providing a permanent vehicle for redevelopment of the Base lands, said Dr. Gibbons.

Dr. Gibbons hoped to meet some of the Opposition concerns today.

He planned to table the lease between the Bermuda Land Development Company and Government. And he was prepared to delete the passage in the bill which allowed any Government land to be let to the company.

But he warned Government would reconsider the legislation if it was seriously weakened by any amendments.

"I have to discuss this with Cabinet colleagues. If there are further attempts to obstruct or alter the legislation in such a way it becomes ineffective, we may have to think twice about bringing it forward.

"It would be a huge shame for Bermuda. It would damage Bermuda's attempts to redevelop the Base porperties.'' Yesterday, Mr. Moniz defended the action of the "People's Five'' in blocking debate on the bill.

"This is very important for Bermuda. About five percent of our land mass has come back to us and we are giving it away for 131 years.

"You have to be careful how you want to do that. As usual things are being done in a big rush. The bill was presented to UBP caucus the day before it went to the House.'' Mr. Moniz said Dr. Gibbons should have risen and reported progress. "You can't be seen to be acting in unseemly haste.'' Mr. Moniz rejected suggestions the "People's Five'' delayed the bill in a bid to deal with an Opposition motion of censure of the Premier.

"Absolutely not. I would have been happy to deal with the censure motion on Monday.

"In fact, I'm disappointed it was dealt with at the dead of night.'' MPs today are braced for another long stint in the House and may even agree to an extra sitting.

MILITARY MIL