after nurseries complained overzealous officials were torching plant shipments just because paperwork was faulty.

Aberfeldy Nursery is thought to be taking legal action over lost produce while Brighton Nurseries has had $10,000 of plants trashed by inspectors.

Mr. Lister said: "Bermuda's ecology, as is well-known, is extremely balanced.

"It is possible for one small act of carelessness to have very grave consequences -- much graver than might be the case in a larger country.

"We cannot let our guard down.'' Mr. Lister denied that inspectors were being overly picky.

"Our requirements are not that difficult to meet. We require that shipments be free of pests.

"We require that shipments be supported by the proper certification and soil test results.

"Indeed, 15 overseas suppliers have already provided the correct type of documentation, valid for 12 months.

"If these requirements are not met, we make no apologies for being unwilling to take chances.

"All plant nurseries know that. All plant nurseries know of the problems we have experienced in securing reliable documentation.

"We continue to have dialogue with nursery representatives.

"In our view, the situation will have been resolved if and when importers demand that their suppliers take care to provide the proper certification Bermuda needs.'' And Mr. Lister said Bermuda had to be particularly careful about the Pink Mealybug, rife in the Caribbean, which would have a devastating impact on vegetation if introduced here.