The “discovery” of a magical new cave at the Wilkinson Quarry at Coney Island in Bailey’s Bay apparently ranks as one of the greatest finds since the near-mythical discovery of the Crystal Caves.

the cave is described as being about ten feet deep and contains two lakes at the bottom in addition to spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. More importantly, it is thought that hitherto unclassified shrimp may also live in the waters of the cave; this is a rare and marvellous find at a time when we are ususally hearing about breeds headed for extinction.

The Ministry of the Environment has moved quickly to protect the cave and, rightly, has stated that people should not be allowed to enter it. Nonetheless, the National Liberal Party and others are right to have raised concern that blasting in the quarry has been allowed to resume, albeit some 200 feet away.

It may be that this blasting will have no effect on the cave and its minuscule inhabitants at all, but no one can say that with absolute certainty.

The expert on Bermuda’s caves is Dr. Tom Iliffe, who is due to come to look at the cave in the next few weeks. Banning blasting in the quarry until then would seem to be the most sensible thing. Then, when he has made his survey and presented recommendations for the preservation of the caves, a decision can be made on whether or not blasting should continue. The longer term issue is whether quarrying in the Bailey’s Bay area should be allowed at all. This is the oldest and most important part of the Island in geological terms and is riddled with caves and subterranean passages. There may be many more caves similar to the one that was opened last month which are at risk.

These quarries have had a long life and have made money for both their owners and tenants. The time may have come for them to stop and to be provided with compensation for doing the right thing and preserving a vital piece of Bermuda’s environment.