David Burt, the Leader of the Opposition, has hit back at Bob Richards over the finance minister’s criticism of his approach to the airport redevelopment project

Mr Richards condemned Mr Burt’s constant criticism of the project and urged him to “get focused on the project not the politics so we can move Bermuda forward”.

This afternoon Mr Burt responded to Mr Richards’s comments.

“Bermuda’s Parliament is being asked to give approval to the airport redevelopment project and it is imperative that the entire Project Agreement is made available for review,” Mr Burt said.

“I would remind the Minister of Finance that it would be impossible for parliament to give proper scrutiny to this deal without viewing the Financial Model for this ‘Public Private Partnership’.

“MPs have received all Project Agreement schedules except for Schedule 29, which contains the Financial Model. The figures contained in the Financial Model are referenced numerous times in the Project Agreement specifically regarding the commitments of Bermudian taxpayers.

“This isn’t about politics; it is about basic transparency and respect for the role of Parliament as the people’s representatives.

“This is the first time in Bermuda’s modern history that we have ever privatised the operation of a major asset. There is a reason this agreement needs Parliament’s approval and that is because, unlike the hospital project, it diverts revenue from Government coffers to a private company who will operate the airport. MPs cannot be asked to give consent to an agreement they haven’t seen.

“Therefore, I again implore the Government and Aecon to live up to their commitments to transparency and share the entire Project Agreement. I specifically request that Minister Richards honour his public commitment to provide the Financial Model so that MPs can have a fully informed debate.”