For the Opposition in the House of Assembly yesterday morning, it was a case of ruing absent friends.

The absence of Shadow Human Affairs Minister Ewart Brown and the Rev. Trevor Woolridge from the Opposition benches proved critical in at least one vote.

It cost them victory in pushing through plans by Sandys residents for developing the former Canadian base at Daniel's Head.

The proposals were defeated 19-18 with United Bermuda Party rebel Dr. David Dyer casting the deciding vote with Government.

Yesterday, Opposition Leader Frederick Wade did his best to shrug off the disappointment.

"Sometimes we get stuck. We try our best to get everybody on the Island, but this time we couldn't. It was impossible.'' Dr. Brown has been off the Island reportedly getting medical attention for a neck complaint.

He is also believed to have had a speaking engagement in the Caribbean.

For his part, Shadow Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs Mr. Woolridge has been attending an AME Church conference in America.

Said Mr. Wade: "Obviously, it would have made a difference if the two had been on the Island.

"The plans would have gone through, and I don't really know why Government made such a great fuss about objecting to them.'' The proposals by a Sandys action group would have removed Daniel's Head from the jurisdiction of the Bermuda Land Development Company.

Residents had wanted the land kept for open space and social use.

Shadow Finance Minister Eugene Cox said the site should be seen separately from the other Base lands and left with the department of Works and Engineering.

But Finance Minister Grant Gibbons said this would send the wrong signal to the community and risk the entire base lands development.

Moreover, he said it would cost Government $1 million to maintain the grounds if the amendment went through and a subsequent $765,000 each year after that.

The proposals were defeated after UBP rebels "The People's Five'' split on the vote.

MPs welcomed Government backbencher Trevor Moniz's motion for a House of Assembly joint select committee to examine setting up a member's Register of Interests.

Mr. Moniz's motion went through the House in the early hours yesterday without debate.