Crunch talks are to be held next week about the future of the St Regis resort’s casino plans, The Royal Gazette understands.

Senior figures from the Marriott group, which operates the St Regis, are flying into the island for urgent discussions about the casino. It comes after the collapse of the bid to introduce casino gaming at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

It is not yet clear if the Marriott people are meeting with the Government or members of the Bermuda Gaming Commission.

The move comes as a number of industry insiders have told The Royal Gazette that a key deterrent for US banks to become involved in creating a casino business is a perception that David Burt has “too close” a relationship with the Bermuda Gaming Commission, which regulates gambling.