WE ENCOURAGE OUR SUPPORTERS NOT TO BECOME COMPLACENT! It has been a lengthy period of no public announcement from Castille Holdings on their plans for the former Riddell’s Bay Golf and Country Club and the residential development they planned on the protected golf course property. Bermuda now has a new government and we have met with some of the key members of Parliament to discuss our concerns of this dangerous precedent for Bermuda. As a reminder please read our arguments on why this precedent is BAD FOR ALL OF BERMUDA Bermuda Plan (2008) This petition is signed by those people opposed to the potential change in Recreation zoning of the land of the former Riddell’s Bay Golf and Country Club. The petitioners believe this potential zoning change would violate the Development and Planning Act 1974 (“the Act”) and set a precedent that would jeopardize all golf courses and other areas that are currently protected under the Bermuda Plan (2008). Bermuda has limited green space and a portion of the Bermuda Plan (2008) is zoned Recreation which includes sports fields, school playing fields, playgrounds, golf courses and general recreation areas, such as Bernard Park. These areas have historically been protected from zoning changes in order to maintain land for recreational purposes. If an exception is made to allow real estate development in areas that are currently zoned Recreation it could lead to the possible closure and redevelopment of other Bermuda golf courses and protected recreational areas. ”Chapter 18: Recreation" "The purpose of the Recreation zone is to conserve land for a variety of recreational activities. The areas designated under the Plan as Recreation include public and private playing fields, sports facilities and golf courses, and they are important components of the overall network of linked open spaces across the Island." What has changed? Since our last update, we have learned that the sale of the former Riddell’s Bay Golf clubhouse has fallen through and the property is back on the market. It appears that potential buyers are now aware that the Development and Planning Act 1974 limits most of the Riddell’s Bay land to be used for recreation and not commercial or residential purposes. Despite this setback, the new owners continue to try to destroy Bermuda’s oldest golf course by filling in the sand traps. They have stated from the outset that they believe that Bermudians will eventually forget about the old course. Well, those of us who understand how this dangerous legal precedent would impact all golf courses, playgrounds and playing fields will never forget. We have attached some pictures from Riddell’s Bay. While the actions that the owners have taken will take time and money to repair, they can’t hide the great architecture of the old course. PLEASE STAY THE COURSE AND CONTINUE YOUR SUPPORT! Riddells Bay Members Committee ("RBMC")