AS the Warwick Long Bay dispute heads to the Supreme Court, the head of the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) is calling on Premier Ewart Brown to embrace Obama-style "inclusivity" and work alongside environmentalists rather than disparaging their efforts.

"Dr. Brown could take the essence of Obama's style and promote inclusivity rather than attempting to demonise people who volunteer their time in the interest of all Bermuda," BEST chair Stuart Hayward told the Mid-Ocean News yesterday.

Mr. Hayward spoke days after the Premier made comments on a local news broadcast seen by some as critical of BEST's work. During a discussion on sustainability, Dr. Brown alleged that environmentalists only object when they believe concrete will be involved.

Long-time environmental activist Mr. Hayward dismissed this comment as "negative", adding that the objectors to the proposed cocktail bar and restaurant at Warwick Long Bay indeed acknowledge the need for development – as long as it is sustainable.

"We at BEST understand the need for development and we support development to the degree that it is socially and economically sustainable," he said.

Mr. Hayward, a former Independent MP, said he hoped Dr. Brown would embrace "the spirit of the new standards of leadership being set by President Obama" and meet with BEST to establish "suitable boundaries" for development.

"We invite the Premier and the Government to come to the table and join with us in setting suitable boundaries on Bermuda's development that include the social concerns about Bermuda's population growth, the economic concerns about the financial drain of an ever-increasing foreign workforce, and the cultural concerns of losing more of Bermuda's farmland to development," he said.

Mr. Hayward added that he does not believe nightlife promoter Belcario Thomas' planned SandBar development will be a tourist draw in itself.

"It is beyond the stretch of any imagination that adding alcohol sales to Warwick Long Bay is going to draw tourists to Bermuda," he said.

"Of course, alcohol is a drug and drug sales of any sort are a draw, but this does nothing to improve Bermuda's tourism product. It will require more foreign labour."

As the Mid-Ocean News went to press, a BEST-sponsored online petition to the Premier and members of Cabinet and Parliament to 'Save Warwick Long Bay' had attracted more than 3,150 signatures, from both residents and visitors. There is also a paper petition circulating, with over 1,000 signatories so far.

BEST is currently appealing Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney's decision to uphold Mr. Thomas' planning appeal for the Warwick Long Bay SandBar after the entrepreneur was initially refused planning permission.

Mr. Thomas told The Royal Gazette that he plans to ensure the SandBar is "as environmentally-friendly as possible".