The Government has given permission for a motocross tournament to be held at a national park and birdwatching sanctuary — despite objections from environmentalists.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, confirmed that the event on Coney Island will go ahead next month once a track for the bikes has been cleared.

The Pink Sand Scrambling motocross event will now take place on December 15.

Campaigners raised the alarm last month after excavation equipment was brought on to the beauty spot to clear vegetation for the one-off event.

A government spokesman later admitted that work had started without prior approval from the Department of Planning “due to a miscommunication”.

The Audubon Society argued that regulations were bypassed by both the Government and the organisation behind the event.

It further claimed that consultation with the National Parks Commission — an independent watchdog set up to review parkland development — was also sidestepped.

But in a statement yesterday, Colonel Burch justified his decision to give the event the green light.

He said: “The submission was carefully evaluated by the National Parks Commission, whose primary role is to advise on the long-term conservation and management of our parks system.”

The minister also claimed the proposal was “thoroughly reviewed in accordance with Section 10 (1) of the Bermuda National Parks Act 1986”.

Previously, Colonel Burch condemned the Audubon Society for speaking out publicly against the initiative, claiming it was a breach of confidentiality.

In the statement, he said he recognised the group’s concerns, but added: “We must balance these with opportunities that benefit our community.

“Our young people are the future of Bermuda, and it is essential that we provide them with the platforms to showcase their talents and drive positive change,” he said.

“This event represents a significant opportunity to engage our youth and attract international visitors, contributing to our local economy and community spirit.”

Colonel Burch added that “stringent measures had been put in place to minimise any adverse effects on the natural habitat”, along with “specific conditions to ensure environmental protection and adherence to regulatory protocols”.

He said: “Like the approval given in 2019, this will be for one year to assess the success and adherence to protocols before considering any renewal. I wish the organiser success with this initiative and look forward to personally attending.

“Environmental stewardship is a priority for our ministry. The organisers have committed to temporary modifications, including installing up to five soil/mulch mound jumps, all of which will be dismantled immediately following the event.

“No trees will be removed, and the walking trails will be restored to their original state.”

Last month, the Audubon Society acknowledged that the minister had the authority to approve activities that would otherwise be prohibited in a protected area, but only “where such activity is in the overriding public interest” and “after consultation with the [Parks] Commission”.

“It is hard to justify the damage to the parkland that would be required for a single motocross event as in the overriding public interest,” a spokeswoman for the group said.

According to a ministry spokesman, the event has been organised by a Bermudian professional with international experience in similar events.

The spokesman added that the event could rejuvenate motocross in Bermuda, expose local riders to international professionals, and position the island as a burgeoning hub for sports tourism.

Colonel Burch disbanded the National Parks Commission last year, alleging that it was acting outside its remit.

It was re-established in April under new leadership, and is now headed by Zane DeSilva, a government MP and owner of Island Construction, one of Bermuda’s largest construction companies.

Trina Bean, the board’s deputy chairman, is a political consultant with the Ministry of Public Works.