New Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney says he will keep "an open mind" towards Southlands but remains confident it will become a national park.

Environmental groups have expressed concern the Cabinet reshuffle will bring a change in priorities, coming a day after former Minister El James pledged to "fight" for Southlands to become a national park.

Last Tuesday Mr. James was named Education Minister, with Government Whip Mr. Blakeney taking over Environment and Sports.

Greenrock president Andrew Vaucrosson questioned the "hasty" move of Mr. James from the Environment portfolio following his "public promise" to protect Southlands a day before.

Mr. Vaucrosson said: "One cannot expect a new Minister to take over a portfolio and automatically accept the direction of his predecessor. These sorts of changes can be very disruptive and can lower the public's trust in Government. It makes one wonder can Bermuda live up to its 'talk'."

When The Royal Gazette asked Mr. Blakeney whether he would protect Southlands as a national park, he said: "Absolutely, to the degree that it is not in contravention to the Plan (Bermuda Plan 2008) which has been proposed."

He added: "I think that's (a national park) something everybody would like to see.

"We need to protect as much open space as we can, notwithstanding progress and a commitment to sustainability."

In the Draft Bermuda Plan however, parts of Southlands are still zoned as Tourism and Residential One. Mr. Blakeney remained uncommittal when asked whether, as Minister, he would push for the removal of the 'development' zoning.

The new Minister said he was still to examine his portfolio 'brief', but responded: "I would have to consider the grounds on which the zoning is based, in consideration as well of where in the footprint of the property it applies.

"For example, it could be a 10ft square in a little corner and need not have a detrimental impact on the grand scheme, so I would leave my mind open, to see what the details are, and what the impact would be.

"I am keeping an open mind at the moment. I think that's fair to all stakeholders, not least to Bermuda – in the interests of the national interest."

Mr. Blakeney added: "The Premier and the elected representative for the area (MP Alex Scott) have committed they would do all within their power to ensure there is protection of that particular open space area.

"I don't think there's much to worry about."

He said: "I think it would be unlikely Government would go down that same road (of a hotel development). I feel confident there will be a very in-depth look at the long-term implications relevant to Bermuda and what that open space means to the benefit of the country.

"Originally I didn't have much problem with the (Southlands) development in the face of the challenges we had with the dearth of hotels to support tourism, however when the relevant concerns were raised, such as traffic congestion and the impact on the environment, and with Morgan's Point being an option, it seemed to be a no-brainer."

Announcing the land swap between Southlands and Morgan's Point in April, Premier Ewart Brown said it was "most likely" Southlands would become a national park. Since then however, Government has declined to comment on its plans for the 37-acre South Shore estate.

Mr. Blakeney said: "There are things we are working towards and when hard decisions are made and Government feels the time is right, the public will know. Until such time there is nothing that imparts from my knowledge that the Premier or Government has had a change of heart."