The island’s premier beach was a training ground for parks staff today so that they could try out new machinery to be deployed for sprucing up popular beaches and parks.

Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, also said that talks were continuing with the Horseshoe Bay Live concession on plans to develop a restaurant and bar at the popular site in Southampton.

He spoke after unveiling the first of two New Holland brand tractors, valued at about $115,000 each, with an $80,000 beach-cleaning unit capable of rapidly sifting debris ranging from trash to washed-up seaweed from the sand.

Mr Adams said: “Consider that for the last several months we have had no tractors. Now we have two to clean our beaches as well as our parks.”

Staff were on site undergoing a two-day training with the equipment.

Repairs are also under way on a tractor already held by the ministry, which has broken down but could potentially add a third unit.

The second tractor is due to arrive next week.

Mr Adams said the machines would be used “island-wide — the primary focus is our more popular beaches”.

He added: “There are public areas that need addressing, whether it’s the cleanliness of our beaches or the overgrowth with our roadsides

“What we’re seeing today is a step in the right direction — further investing in our capital projects that will hopefully bring results that the people of Bermuda deserve.”

Mr Adams said the purchase had been in process for some time.

“It’s not an off-the-shelf purchase,” he said. “It’s something that in my early days as minister I took the decision to invest in.”

The minister spoke during a busy day for the Southampton beach, with two cruise ships in port and hundreds of tourists availing of the seating and umbrellas provided by HBL.

He acknowledged that there were some in the community who felt Horseshoe Bay Beach was at risk of being overdeveloped.

“I understand the complaint that people have and they’re justified,” Mr Adams said.

“But I also understand that we are a tourist destination that’s here to cater to our guests and visitors.

“Are we striking the right balance? I think it’s more than what people are used to, but certainly with our cruise ship season getting longer, we continue to work towards a better balance and have conversations with the concessionaire.”

Bermudian entrepreneurs HBL in 2020 received a five-year lease at Horseshoe Bay, which comes up for renewal at the end of March 2026.

Mr Adams said he was in no position to comment on its renewal but said the ministry “continues to have discussions” with the group, including its lease.

HBL initially planned for a $3.8 million redevelopment of the beachside café in time for the 2022 tourist season.

However, the original plan was turned down in December 2021 by the Department of Planning, with officials citing issues including a missed deadline and an incomplete file.

Mr Adams said “work is being done” on coming up with a new facility at Horseshoe Bay Beach.

“We’re in a space now where we’re beginning to prepare drawings,” he said. “It’s a long process — that’s the reality, it’s not just a quick renovation.

“We’re working with the concessionaire, so they’re aware of our intentions. It’s something necessary that we will do.”

Mr Adams said it could be “roughly two years” before anything new appeared. The previous leaseholder was Chops Ltd, which ran the Rum Bum Beach Bar.

The minister said: “We recognise that the location and the infrastructure has a time limit, and we need to act relatively quickly on renovating or relocating that facility.

“That’s our primary focus. They have a vision and we have a vision. We will have to put the whole process out to tender; it’s an ongoing conversation.”

Mr Adams said he backed reducing the crowds at Horseshoe Bay Beach by spreading visitors to other sites.

“It’s something we’re considering along the South Shore and even the East End to relieve some of the pressure that happens when cruise ships come in,” he said.

“Those are in the early stages of planning.”