Government and private support, organiser Mr. Alex Outerbridge said yesterday.

Two bodies considered important to the clean-up operation, the Bermuda Regiment and the Bermuda Sub Aqua Club, will not be participating.

At the request of the US Navy, Government has ordered the Regiment's marine battalion and divers to help dismantle the Bailey bridge at the end of the Causeway on the same day as the clean-up.

Divers from the Bermuda Sub Aqua Club are unable to participate due to scheduled exams.

"I called the Regiment's Commanding Officer (Lt. Col. Allan Rance) and was told Works and Engineering had scheduled the removal of the Bailey bridge for the same weekend and would be relying on the marine battalion and divers,'' said Mr. Outerbridge.

He added that talks with a senior civil servant from Works and Engineering and Minister of the Environment the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto did nothing to change the plans.

"We were concerned and trying to give Government the opportunity to be positive and clearly identify it was supportive of the clean-up,'' he said.

"What comes first, an environmental clean-up on the eve of the Earth Summit or a rusty old bridge to be dismantled? "I'm still hoping any Minister who can make a direct decision will avail and get support. I understand the Regiment is only doing as it's required.'' He said the Bermuda Sub Aqua Club had volunteered to do dive clean-ups at all sites during the summer so their absence would be compensated for at a later date.

Minister of the Environment the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto said yesterday it was impossible to arrange an alternate date for the bridge's removal.

"The new bridge and Bailey bridge have been the responsibility of the US Government,'' she said. "Some time ago, arrangements were made for the Regiment, in conjunction with the US Navy and the overseas contractor, to assist with the dismantling.

"Perhaps a dozen or so (Regiment members) have been detailed for some time to assist with this work. It's important that it be done as soon as possible and that we get back to normal and get rid of the bridge. It is unfortunate but it falls in time with the winding up of the project and the departure of the overseas contractor. It's not possible to put it off.'' Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto said she was sure other Regiment members could assist in the clean-up.

"I feel nevertheless the day will be a huge success,'' she added. "I can't think the bridge's dismantling will be a lynch pin to the success or failure of the Marine Clean-Up Day.'' DIVERS NEEDED -- Co-chairman of Saturday's Keep Bermuda Beautiful Marine Clean-Up operation Mr. Alex Outerbridge hammers a public reminder at the foot of The Lane.