The Ministry of Public Works last night apologised for cutting down a poinciana tree after stating that only a pruning would take place.

Government had posted a notice in Friday’s edition of this newspaper to notify the public that it intended to “remove” a tree from Reid Street, but Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin and senior civil servants informed representatives of the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) that there were no plans to remove any tree. However a poinciana tree on the property was cut down, sparking backlash from the environmental group who said in a statement that the move was not in the best interests of “fostering trust between decision-makers and the public”.

The statement added: “BEST has confirmed via the following photos that the mature poinciana behind the old Magistrates’ Court building on Reid and Parliament Streets was cut down over the weekend.

“Despite assurances from Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin and senior civil servants in the Public Works and Parks Departments that there would be no tree removal, only pruning, it is extremely discomforting to experience such a reversal in actions.

“The Minister has already reacted rather sharply to the level of attention we have given the trees at this location and tree removal in general.

“We assert that this kind of precipitous tree-removal is not in the best interest of fostering trust between decision-makers and the public.

“For us, the lost tree represents a breakdown in communication somewhere within Government, and reinforces a high level of vigilance on the part of BEST and its supporters.

“With that in mind, we would add a fifth step to our previous list for the government: that the government plan and announce an aggressive plan of action for reforestation on the Island.”

Questioned about the tree’s removal, a spokesman for the Ministry said yesterday there had been a change of plans on Friday which the Minister was not aware of at the time of her talking to BEST.

“The Department of Parks was contacted by the Buildings section approximately two months ago with a request to assist with pruning trees at the Workforce Development Office due to damage caused by the trees’ proximity to the buildings, and the resulting blockage of the drains, leaking of the roof, and falling in of the interior ceiling,” the spokesman said.

“The work was scheduled for Sunday.

“At a final meeting held on August 22, those responsible for the operation discussed what works would be required.

“At that time they decided to prune the kapok tree as well as remove the poinciana, due to the difficulties with its location and the rot found in the tree.

“Unfortunately, this information was not shared with the Senior Superintendent or the Director, hence, they were unable to advise the Minister of the impending decision.

“As a result, on the same day when BEST requested information on the intent of the department, the Minister gave the information that was at hand.”

Ms Gordon-Pamplin added: “Had we been previously advised that the poinciana was in that condition, we would have informed the public regarding the removal of the tree as we are acutely aware of the sensitivities regarding the removal of trees within the city limits.

“The Department of Parks is planning to replace the poinciana, preferably with a jacaranda, which will be situated further away from the buildings.”

The spokesman said Ministry has undertaken to improve its communication protocols in such matters.