Greenrock, BNT Not Pleased With ATV Decision
“The Minister’s decision to allow ATV’s to operate in the West End on a trial basis flies in the face of the public consultation with only two out of 628 submissions being in support of it,” Greenrock said, adding that they “note with dismay the precedent setting nature of this decision.”
Minister Approves One Year Licence
This follows after Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch said he is “granting approval for a ‘Licence to Use Vehicles on Government of Bermuda Property’ for a trial period of one year,” adding that “the conditions of the licence are such that it will allow for termination of the licence if terms and conditions of operation are not adhered to.”
The Minister noted that the “proposal predates this administration and in fact had received the approval of the then responsible Minister in the former Government” and after assuming office they “set about following our own course of due diligence to assure ourselves that we considered all the facts in this proposal.”
The Government held a consultation, and said it resulted in “628 valid responses – 2 in favour and 626 against”.
“This Government’s view is that the Railway Trails can and should be for the use and enjoyment of the widest cross section of visitors and locals alike,” the Minister said, adding “I am convinced that given this opportunity and an approach of sharing – we all can continue to enjoy the Railway Trails.”
BNT ‘Deeply Dismayed’
The Bermuda National Trust has already commented, saying they are “deeply dismayed and disheartened by the decision to grant a one-year license for ATV tours on the Railway Trail in Sandys.”
“We are particularly concerned that the Minister of Parks feels able to ignore the fact that 99.7 percent of those who responded to the public consultation objected to the proposal. Many will perceive this as making a mockery of the public consultation process and this will reduce confidence in public consultation in general,” the BNT said.
Greenrock ‘Note With Dismay’
Following the decision, environmental group Greenrock said, “The Minister’s decision to allow ATV’s to operate in the West End on a trial basis flies in the face of the public consultation with only two out of 628 submissions being in support of it.
“It also threatens to completely undermine trust in the public consultation process and runs contrary to policy and legislation.
“Additionally, this decision runs counter to the public interest, both in terms of the material effect on the trails [already facing inadequate maintenance], creating health and safety issues for pedestrians with their children and dogs, together with cycle and horse users of the railway trail.
“It is a threat to the natural environment, the purpose of the trails as a biodiversity corridor and a place of peaceful appreciation of our natural environment by locals and tourists alike.
“At the moment we are awaiting clarity from the Government concerning the exact nature of this ‘trial’, however we note with dismay the precedent setting nature of this decision, and the negative impact on Bermuda’s environment and the role of the Railway Trail itself.
“While we support initiatives for small business and increasing an appreciation of our natural environment, these must be balanced by our roles as stewards of our island home.”
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Category: All, Environment, News
Greenrock says ..
“At the moment we are awaiting clarity from the Government concerning the exact nature of this ‘trial’ …”
Here Greenrock , let me save you the wait for the clarification .
After the one year ‘trial’ period it will be permanent !
One thing though that I still haven’t heard any clarification on is the access to Heydon Trust’s property . At the very best of times they are persnickity about who gets to go on their property.
As they should be – its private bloody property!
Remember – Capt Major General Burch does not care what others think .
the plp dont care what joe public think,
quote” we don’t care what you…blah blah…”
OBA would have done the same. Neither party has a clue what is going on in this world. They have the same money rotted brains illness as Trump does. Neither has pushed for real intuitive ways to protect our environment. They know who Larry Ellison and Beyonce are but I bet neither could tell you who Elon Musk is and why this billionaire risked it all to find two alternatives to saving our backsides. At this point country leaders like OBA and PLP who put the dollar first prove SpaceX is the only real alternative.
626-2.
This is just another measure to destroy what we have, have to wonder if there were any back room deals to facilitate this rather bizarre approval
How does the communist feel about all this? Ask yourself why approval would be given despite the lack of support. Ask yourself who owns the ATVs. Remember the promises of transparency and good governance.
And if Bermudians feel this is a slap in the face then get ready as more things are shoved down your throats. A majority government is the worst thing for any country. Minister Burch proved himself a tyrant before and he is only being consistent with who he is. If he thinks this initiative is expanding to the east we will rally people to block the entrances.
East or west, it doesn’t matter where you live, this government is not the slightest bit concerned about the public’s opinion.
“…with only two out of 628 submissions being in support of it..” but yet its the “Peoples Party.” Shame they don’t listen to the people. Never saw that coming.. lol
Green rock you are not alone in your displeasure in fact I would think that there are only a handful of people who are pleased with this.
Suck it up Snowflakes! ZEE COL. iss in charge now and you will do exactly as he says!!
IT IS CLEAR TO ME THAT ATV NO MATTER WHAT SPEED ARE FOR OFF ROAD TRACKS WHICH MAKES SNESE BUT NOT IN OUR HISTORIC TRACKS. WE ARE LOOSING SO MUCH. REMEMBER SERPINTINE ROAD ST. JOHN’S ROAD BELCO AREA WAS MARCH ONCE UPON TIME. SO IT DOESNT MATTER WHAT PARTY IS IN ITS UP TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY TO KEEP WHATEVER PARTY ACCOUNTABLE WHEN THEY ARE FOLLOWING NOT GUIDLINES SET.
With so little land mass and so much ocean, WHY must permission be given for a whole year to destroying the peaceful Railway Trail. Why do we not , instead have water sports and leave the little bit of peaceful walking trail alone. There is most likely more to this than meets the eye. I wonder what it is ??? We know of many underhanded reasons for so many things done on our little island , so what is this one ??
This government doesn’t care about the environment which has been obvious from the start. Is there an environmental minister? Has the government looked into the use of these vehicles in other countries? I have a friend who lives in Hawaii and she said they tore up the ground wherever they went, and Hawaii is much bigger than Bermuda!
I am a PLP supporter but I am not happy with my Premier for this farce of a public consultation. Premier, you and the Minister need to step down!
I don’t often agree with some of our environmental groups but in this case I agree with Greenrock 100%. The PLP have ignored the people and this Minister is famous for such behavior. Ignore the people and see what happens at the polls next time. Up to now the PLP had been doing a pretty good job.
As my submission not to allow the ATVs access was ignored, I expect my comment today to be as well.
However, for the record, Minister Lt/Col David Burch, you Sir have made a mistake to allow the ATVs access to the Railway Trails. I am very disappointed in your decision.
If you have to get an ATV to enjoy the trails, you are lazy. Get up off your ass and take a walk or bike ride!