Tourism Shadow Minister David Allen yesterday backed decisions by a pair of hotel developers to put their plans on hold until after the General Election.

And he stressed that if the Progressive Labour Party got into power, it would not mean these developers would sever their ties with the Island.

The developer/investor -- who has not been named yet -- that has been linked with Morgan's Harbour Investment Limited (MHIL) and its plan to develop the former US Naval Air Annex this week announced that it would not commit to a deal until after the election.

Mr. Allen said: "We agree with that standpoint. This was something communicated by ourselves to them in meetings we had over the past few weeks and months.

The announcement echoed a similar one by Camberley Hotel Company (CHC) earlier this month when the Atlanta-based firm said it was putting its plans for the old Club Med hotel in the East End on hold until the same time.

And Mr. Allen agreed with this decision also.

"There are three weeks left in the mandate of this present Government. Why not wait a few more weeks to make sure that the people you will be dealing with are on the same wavelength.

"They may get a better lease or contract.'' Opposition representatives have met with officials from CHC and MHIL and have been briefed in detail on each company's architectural plans and investment backing, he continued.

"We could not be more pleased about the way the meetings went. People have to realise the meetings that have taken place have been very in-depth.

"These meetings facilitated the Progressive Labour Party's development of its plans for its first term and first year in Government.'' Mr. Allen voiced approval of the developments and highlighted the PLP's concerns over the effect they would have on Bermuda and Bermudians.

"The PLP look very favourably on the developments and we want to maximise the effect they have on Bermuda. We want to see these resorts opening.'' In MHIL's case, Mr. Allen highlighted the importance of the hotel in that company's plan which also involves the construction of a marina, golf course, elderly housing, residential housing and a village centre on the 250-acre site.

"We consider the hotel to be a high priority although a lot has to happen before then. We have made it clear that we would like to see hotel happen as soon as possible.'' Before MHIL can begin work at the site, the lease agreement between it and the Bermuda Land Development Company -- who are in charge of Bermuda's former base lands -- has to be passed through Parliament.

"Clearly there will not be enough time for meetings unless Parliament was to convene early and I do not think the UBP want any full blown meetings in the House of Assembly.

"Clearly the lease will not go before Parliament until after the election so there is no way to consummate it sooner. They would be out of their mind to begin developing the site before the lease was signed.'' He noted that the PLP had met with Bermuda Properties Limited also. BPL are behind the development of Marriott's Castle Harbour Hotel in Hamilton Parish.

"They are very keen to go ahead with the development,'' said Mr. Allen.

"They have advised us on what they want to do with the hotel building and they have very attractive plans for it.'' Mr. Allen stressed that he was confident that this plan and MHIL and CHC's schemes would go ahead.

"It will not come down to which party is in power after the election. That is patent nonsense. I would not anticipate either project not going ahead.'' And he pointed out that the PLP would want to get these developments underway as quickly as possible.

"Our position is that we want to go ahead with these as quickly as possible.

We will do everything we can to expedite these developments in the best interests of Bermuda.'' Mr. Allen revealed that he had a number of letters which had been sent to the party that stated the senders were looking forward to dealing with the PLP and were encouraged by the constructive dialogue they had enjoyed with the party.

And he admitted: "Sure they are prepared to work with the other party as well. The PLP and the UBP are on the same wavelength. Substantial changes should not be expected if the PLP are the next Government.''