Opposition MP Cole Simons last night reiterated his concern about the Environment Minister's decision to allow foreign soil imports for Bermuda's flagship cricket venue.

Neletha Butterfield tabled new regulations in the House of Assembly last Friday to allow the sub-standard pitch at the National Sports Centre to be improved to a level where international games can be hosted.

Shadow Environment Minister Mr. Simons called for her resignation over the changes at the weekend — a suggestion she said she had no intention of heeding on Tuesday. The Opposition, environmentalists and farmers claim importing soil could run the risk of introducing alien species and dangerous plant diseases to the Island.

Mr. Simons claimed the Minister had bypassed parliamentary debate on the topic and described that as a "dangerous gamble" and "shameful".

He said yesterday: "So far, we have not heard a scientist or a horticulturist speak in favour of Ms Butterfield's high-risk initiative.

"The Minister is walking a very fine line with her plan to import soil. We note that she wants to keep the risk to an 'absolute minimum' while her permanent secretary conceded that it was impossible to be 100 percent sure all imported soil was disease-free. There is a big risk lying between these two views."

He said experienced people believed local soil could be used to build a quality pitch and cited former West Indies cricketer Andy Roberts, who suggested in May that some of Bermuda's pitches were better than in certain Test-playing countries.

"Mr. Roberts also raised the question of whether the Sports Centre pitch was being properly cared for," he said. "In his view, it was know-how and commitment that was at issue, not materials. Do we just dismiss the thoughts and observations of such an experienced gentleman?"

The Shadow Minister said soil should not be imported unless a 100 percent guarantee could be given that it was disease-free.

"We would love to see an approved cricket pitch at the National Sports Centre," he added. "Our concerns are not about being for or against international cricket.

"It is about protecting our environment, not just for ourselves but also for generations to come. We believe the solution is here on this island, not lying in the ground overseas."