The Progressive Labour Party will explore all options of alternative energy with a view to protecting the island’s environment and ensuring its sustainability.

Walton Brown, the minister responsible for the environment, also told The Royal Gazette he was keen to engage with the farming community to strengthen the island’s agricultural sector.

“The environment is fundamentally important and we need to ensure we have adequate policies in place to protect our environment and ensure its sustainability,” Mr Brown said.

“We need to protect our open spaces for generations to come and identify land which can be left undeveloped. We must also be aware of climate change and rising sea levels.”

He added: “I would like to meet with farmers in Bermuda to see what can be done to strengthen the agriculture industry.

“The vitality of this industry is so important to Bermuda as is its sustainability. I would also encourage the farming community to reach out to me and together with our technical officers we will look at what we can do to support that industry.”

Mr Brown also outlined plans to clamp down on those who flout planning regulations and tackling what he described as a “delay” in the way applications are being processed.

“When it comes to alternative energy I am a firm believer that we should explore all options,” he said.

“We need to do more in relation to alternative energy. I have been visiting Holland for 30 years and have seen the power it can create while ensuring a level of sustainability. There is a lot we can learn from other countries.”