An investigation into the “desecration, damage and destruction” of mangroves at the Mid Ocean Club is continuing, the Government has said.

Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, told MPs last month that he would “shame and prosecute” the private members club, accusing it of an “unacceptable” act of environmental harm.

The club hit back, stating it believed that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources was fully aware of the work it carried out and on board with it.

A Ministry of Home Affairs spokesman said: “The instances minister Roban referred to in his ministerial statement were nothing short of desecration, damage and destruction.”

The spokesman confirmed that two DENR officers spoke with a club representative about managing mangroves on the property in April.

He added: “While most work on protective species requires a permit from the Minister of Home Affairs, DENR officers were able to advise the representative that light trimming was the most they could do without obtaining a permit under the tenets of the Protected Species Act 2003.

“The DENR is actively investigating the matter.

“While the ministry cannot comment further until the investigation is complete, correspondence has been received from the Mid Ocean Club.

“It is important to note that mangrove trees are highly specialised and have unique environmental adaptations.

“Any trimming should consider the tree's needs and be carefully done.

“The extent to which a mangrove tree may be trimmed depends upon the species, its height and the tree's overall condition.

“When trimming mangrove trees, it is recommended to focus on removing dead or damaged branches and selectively prune branches less than one inch in diameter.

“It is important to avoid removing too much of the tree as this can cause stress, potentially harming the tree's overall health. This did not happen.

“When all or most of the leaves are trimmed off a mangrove tree, its chances of surviving are severely reduced.

“Under the Act, a moderate level of routine maintenance that does not jeopardise a protected species’ health is allowed without a permit.

“Large trees must be pruned in stages over several years, and remove a maximum of 25 per cent of the leaves each year.”

In a speech to MPs last month, Mr Roban warned that the people responsible could be liable to one year in prison, or a $15,000 fine.

He said: “Unfortunately, the DENR estimates perhaps 90 per cent of the mangroves’ ecological value is now gone.

“This is unacceptable. I can assure you that we will be pursuing charges and penalties against the offending entity, which will also include publicly naming and shaming them.”

The Mid Ocean Club was contacted for comment.