Shadow Environment Minister Cole Simons yesterday called for Government to pledge to uphold the law following claims Works Minister Derrick Burgess authorised illegal dumping on parkland.

As the Works and Engineering Ministry maintains its silence over the suggestion by Director of Conservation Services Jack Ward, Mr. Simons issued a statement saying: "The rules are supposed to apply to everyone — no exceptions — including the Government of Bermuda."

Yesterday, The Royal Gazette reported how Mr. Ward sent an e-mail to Development Control senior planner Christine Rickards suggesting that the Minister dumped rubble at Grotto Bay without the knowledge or support of Works officials.

The rubble in question appears to be fill from works to realign Coney Island Road last spring without planning permission, described by a consultant as damaging in ecological and amenity terms.

In his statement, Mr. Simons said: "The news that the Works and Engineering Minister had a direct role in illegal dumping in parkland is deeply disturbing.

"It is part of a pattern of disregard that this Government has shown for Bermuda's planning laws — laws that are supposed to apply to everyone — is deep set.

"There have been multiple abuses of planning laws and regulations at Government projects across the Island, most recently in its construction of new Dockyard piers.

"Our concern about the abuse — which has involved multiple ministries and ministers over time — is that it stains the integrity of the Bermuda Government and its Cabinet of Ministers, who are sworn to uphold the laws of the land.

"To put an end to this sorry state in our public affairs, and to offer the Government the opportunity for a fresh start, we would like to see the Government come forward with a statement — clear and simple in its language — pledging its Ministers to uphold the Island's planning laws."

Works and Engineering has not responded to requests for a comment over the past two days.

The rubble is to be removed and used as backfill in repairs to the foreshore at Bailey's Bay Cricket Club.