Shadow Environment Minister Cole Simons has called for Government to buy private beaches after losing patience with elitism which bars the public from enjoying them.

He said Government could offer a reduction in Land Tax rates as a quid pro quo.

Funds in Government?s Annual Budget could be allocated for the purchase of strips of land, which can be used for access only, as is done by Government for the purchase of land to preserve open spaces, said Mr. Simons.

?Our beaches must not, and should not, be allowed to be fenced in by anyone. They must not be fenced in by any hotel or business,? he said.

?We cannot continue to deny Bermudians the right of access and the right to enjoy what are deemed to be Bermuda?s most beautiful natural resources.

?Bermuda should begin the process of removing or dismantling the barricades that prohibit Bermudians from freely using beaches like Windsor Beach, Castle Harbour Beach and Grape Bay.?

He said Government must examine the possibility of implementing legislation which will allow Bermudians to have free access to Bermuda?s beaches in the same manner that Bermudians have free access to and use public parks.

Bermuda must identify a national strategy for its beaches to ensure they are shared, used and protected by all and not a privileged few, said Mr. Simons.

?Our beaches represent a major component of Bermuda?s portfolio of natural capital. This capital must work for the benefit of all Bermudians and Bermuda?s stake holders.

?How can today?s parents honestly in their soul justify to their children why a sentry box and a barricade are located on a road in Tucker?s Town?

?A barricade (which exists only) to prohibit the public use of a road, which provides access to one of Bermuda?s most beautiful gems, in its delicate chain of beaches, Windsor Beach.

?How can a father from Wellington, St George?s justify, why he cannot have a family day with his wife and children at Castle Harbour Beach?

?Imagine, a Bermudian father telling his son, ?Son, we can not go to that beach, because we can not afford to use it. It is for rich people only?.?

He said the restrictive practices were from a bygone era and had out-lived their so-called usefulness.

?It may have been acceptable and justifiable in the 50s, 60s and 70s but is not acceptable to most Bermudians today.?

Tourism Minister Ewart Brown is off the Island and could not be reached for comment.