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‘Apologise or go home’- Local woman chased off beach

- said Gov’t yet to get back to her on the issue
Little Apple Bay beach in West End, where Mrs Myrtle L. Stoutt-Fraites and family were allegedly ordered off. Photo: VINO
According to Mrs Myrtle L. Stoutt-Fraites (inset), she is still awaiting a response from Government regarding her matter over beach access at Little Apple Bay in West End, Tortola. Photo: VINO/Facebook
According to Mrs Myrtle L. Stoutt-Fraites (inset), she is still awaiting a response from Government regarding her matter over beach access at Little Apple Bay in West End, Tortola. Photo: VINO/Facebook
First District Representative Hon Andrew A. Fahie (right) had pleaded with the Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Hon Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), left, to immediately address the contentious issue of access to the beach near the Sugar Mill Hotel in Little Apple Bay on the West End of Tortola, Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
First District Representative Hon Andrew A. Fahie (right) had pleaded with the Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Hon Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), left, to immediately address the contentious issue of access to the beach near the Sugar Mill Hotel in Little Apple Bay on the West End of Tortola, Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
WEST END, Tortola VI- Sixteen days after Mrs Myrtle L. Stoutt-Fraites spoke out on what she described as an “extremely disturbing” event where the Owner/Manager of Sugar Mill Hotel & Restaurant in Little Apple Bay, allegedly attempted to force her family off the beach, she is still waiting on official word from the Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) led administration.

In an interview with Virgin Islands News Online on Sunday January 22, 2017, Mrs Stoutt-Fraites said Premier Smith spoke to her and assured her that he would contact the gentleman in question but has not returned to her to say anything else. She also mentioned that the Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr. Kedrick Pickering (R7) has not spoken to her on the matter.

“I am waiting for the authorities to say something, I am waiting for them,” she said, adding, “They have been quite busy with the budget and all those things so I am just patiently waiting for them.”

Apologise or go home

When asked what would she like done, Mrs Stoutt-Fraites remarked that the Owner/Manager has two options.

“This guy needs to make an apology or he needs to leave the island! He needs to apologise to the citizens of Tortola or to leave the island and go back to practice what he wants to practice. It is an extremely disturbing thing because all my life I travelled all over the world and I have never been confronted with this kind of behaviour,” she pointed out.

Ordering people off the beach needs to cease

Stoutt-Fraites said the reason for her speaking out on the matter is for it to end right away.

“It needs to be stopped immediately, anybody that is trying to do this needs to be stopped! We are all human beings, no one is better than anybody, despite what their financial status are, they should not treat anyone in that manner. It needs to cease, because the younger people probably wouldn’t take it so lightly.”

Background

According to Mrs Stoutt-Fraites, on Sunday, January 8, 2017 she, along with the rest of her family, was observing the anniversary of her late father, Mr W.W. Warren Stoutt. She said following a get-together and wreath laying, the family went for a swim at Little Apple Bay beach, a place they swam all their lives.

She recounted that while on the beach, the owner/manager of Sugar Mill Hotel told them they could not sit on the chair, use the hammock and allegedly even asked the children to come out of the water.

She said a confrontation followed and it almost turned violent, and the family refused to comply with the manager’s orders and consequently he allegedly took the hammock off the pole while one of them was still in it.

The family eventually left the said beach about 8:30 P.M.

Despite several attempts to reach the Owner/Manager of Sugar Mill Hotel, each time we were told to call back as he was not available.

Similar complaints

It was on Saturday, January 7, 2017, that a local family was also allegedly asked to leave a certain beach area on Peter Island.

The family from Jost Van Dyke said they went to the island with a private boat and was subsequently approached by a manager of the Peter Island Resort who allegedly being told they had to move to another area.

Another local family also complained that they were denied use of the ferries to get to Peter Island and Scrub Island to enjoy the beach.

‘Minister to give update this week’

Meanwhile, First District Representative and Opposition Member Hon Andrew A. Fahie had since urged the Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Hon Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) to immediately address the contentious issue of access to the beach near the Sugar Mill Hotel in Apple Bay on the West End of Tortola, Virgin Islands.

In a letter to the Minister, who is also the Deputy Premier, Hon Fahie contended there is need for urgent intervention to prevent “unwarranted outcomes.”

Asked for an update on the matter yesterday, January 22, 2017 Hon Fahie said “the minister [Hon Pickering] will give an update this week.”

Legislation guiding Public Access & Rights of Way to Beaches

On January 17, 2017 Government Information Service (GIS) issued a bulletin reminding of the legislation guiding Public Access and Rights of Way to Beaches as per the Planning Act 2004.

It said the Planning Act 2004 states that “a beach” is defined as that area of the coastal zone from the seaward limit of the foreshore running inland to the vegetation line or other natural barrier whichever is closer to the landward limit of the foreshore, and a beach may consist of sand, stones, gravel, shingle, coral fragments or boulders.

“Section 61 states: There shall be at least one public landward access to every beach in the Territory. Where there is no alternative public landward access, traditional public use of a private landward access through an existing private development shall be sufficient grounds for establishing a public way over that access for the purpose of access to the beach by the public.

Where the only landward access to a beach is through an existing private development where traditional public use pursuant to subsection (2) has not been established, the Crown may acquire the right to public use of that landward access by gift, agreement, compulsory acquisition, or in exchange for other property, interest, or financial exemption, or by such other means as the Minister may recommend.

For the purposes of this section “traditional public use” means peaceable, open and uninterrupted enjoyment for a period of twenty years or more; and public landward access shall be motorable unless the Minister otherwise determines.

For more information regarding this legislation, persons may contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour at 468-2147 or nrl@gov.vg.”

45 Responses to “‘Apologise or go home’- Local woman chased off beach”

  • zoe (23/01/2017, 12:05) Like (30) Dislike (15) Reply
    I agree with her he needs to go home
    • wow (23/01/2017, 13:39) Like (27) Dislike (6) Reply
      For the people that is reading this and don't know; some, if not most or all of the land Sugar Mill Hotel sits on was purchased from members of Mrs. Stoutt-Fraites's family, hence why she referred to swimming there her whole life. Her family still owns property near by the hotel. That makes this situation even more DISGUSTING than it already is!
      • Online Now (24/01/2017, 09:38) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
        @SMH - why does that make the situation more disgusting? Her family SOLD the land, do they want to have their cake and eat it? It sounds like the dispute was about using the private facilities and not the beach itself. She sounds very "entitled"!
  • dog (23/01/2017, 12:14) Like (22) Dislike (9) Reply
    Tell um ms stoutt
    • Really (23/01/2017, 13:29) Like (28) Dislike (6) Reply
      Let us hear his side of the story let us be fair
      • Camera (23/01/2017, 23:44) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
        Where is the camera when u need the truth. I'm sure she played and large part in getting the situation where it ended up.
    • dog (23/01/2017, 18:32) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      If this was the real dog, I would want to be fair and hear both sides too.
      but because this is not the real dog, opinions are getting confused. I do not want to
      be confused with the one above. stop it!
  • Binocs (23/01/2017, 12:26) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
    Money talks in the BVI so ain't nothing going to come out of this....
  • tola (23/01/2017, 12:33) Like (24) Dislike (6) Reply

    Them people coming in people country with them heck. Reason being they know ndp will back them

  • Me too! (23/01/2017, 12:51) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    Me and my family experience the same treatment while visiting Scrub Island. We spent our x-mas holidays visiting Tortola and wanted to experience the beautiful resorts. We took ferry to Scrub Island to have lunch and use the beach. We were told we could not use their facilities, new rules implement 2 wks prior. It spoiled our entire day,we could eat lunch,spend money but not use their beach. We then took ferry to Marina key had drinks but by then we disgusted.The government need to fix this problems we might look like locals but we are tourist and have access to social media.
  • Being Logical (23/01/2017, 13:01) Like (16) Dislike (8) Reply
    I agree with her the man is out of order Mehson
  • wellwell (23/01/2017, 13:06) Like (18) Dislike (22) Reply
    TRUMP IN OFFICE SO THEY GOT BOLD!
    • Guest (23/01/2017, 22:15) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      Perfect @$$ what Trump being in office have to do with this..Perfect @$$
  • mmm hmmm (23/01/2017, 13:12) Like (31) Dislike (20) Reply
    Y'all quick to tell people "go home".
  • not alone (23/01/2017, 13:22) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Not here in the bvi alone... in st vincent also. And its rediculous.
    • Get a grip. (23/01/2017, 14:24) Like (44) Dislike (34) Reply
      U all sold the property. U no longer own it.. U now become a trespasser.. When u all can't get your way.. first thing is to send them out or let them go back to where they come from... Ms. U all sold the property. U R now trespassing.. Get a grip.. let go.
  • $#@ (23/01/2017, 14:18) Like (51) Dislike (17) Reply
    Most locals exaggerate these things and are the aggressor most times. I have been to many of these same places with other local families and never had a problem. I have also witnessed other locals having no respect whatsoever because they're local. What if locals owned the facilities around and said the same thing, would it be different? There is a reason many local businesses or people don't get too far in certain sectors. Look at the ones who complain the most and always in the news, look at their track record.
    • Really (23/01/2017, 17:11) Like (20) Dislike (9) Reply
      Iam a local and i agreed with you %100 some of them will destroy your business if you dont put them in there place rude and disrespectfull
    • I Am Local (23/01/2017, 17:52) Like (14) Dislike (21) Reply
      I am local and I also agree. Not just locals but black people in general are mostly degenerate by nature and lack respect for anything. This goes for tolians and people from other islands. I would not be surprise if she was load and disturbing the guests. The guy spend his money to buy the hotel and you want him go home just because you get offended.
      • Cowardly ignorant (25/01/2017, 13:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Regardless of race I can say wholeheartedly that this is the most cowardly, ignorant, and racist comment I have seen in a comment section... that is saying a lot considering where we are... "degenerate by nature"... smh wonder if you have the heart to express that sentiment in person... Do us all a favor and "sack ya madda dawg"
  • Ya me born (23/01/2017, 14:21) Like (18) Dislike (9) Reply
    Hope they come to some amicable agreement where the gentleman apologizes and they could both carry on with their lives..at the end of the day the BVI's life blood is from primarily white countries. You've got good and bad people in every race/nationality..let's not paint everyone with the same brush
  • Online Now (23/01/2017, 14:29) Like (55) Dislike (22) Reply
    Sounds like she is a bully, trying to use her name and connections against a man doing his job and protecting his business. I read that he asked her to not sit on his chairs and hammock (according to the previous article) not leave the beach all together.
  • Keen (23/01/2017, 14:57) Like (12) Dislike (30) Reply
    Stick to your word lady, let him go... This is your country not his... He has no right...
  • 800 (23/01/2017, 15:44) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    When you have nothing...you have nothing to lose.
  • concern (23/01/2017, 16:13) Like (12) Dislike (7) Reply
    I am letting any man or woman come and tell me to leave any beach in this country and it's not as a joke I am leaving their face in the sand. To much of this is taking place . It have some who would blog because they come from these places that have private beaches because there politicians sold them out a long time ago. Well that didn't happen here. Just Google private beaches in the Caribbean and all the countries that sold there beaches would show up. The family may have sold the land that the hotel is on but they never sold the beach. And access must be provided. Do get your facts straight. Some of them even want to come here and chatting rubbish with these politicians talking about independence. Independence so the politicians can do what they want. Tell me which Caribbean island is independent and doing good or ever did well. Not one. People migrate to countries that have good financial stability. That's why we have over one hundred different nationalities in one little 2×2 . I am an expatriate but God bless this little country. One man told me in my country of origin that if you cannot make it in the BVI not much other places you can make it.
    • @ concern (23/01/2017, 17:58) Like (11) Dislike (8) Reply
      @Concern___ You ever heard of a beach call Dawson beach on the right hand side on the Airport strip.. There is a big Iron gate on it... U know what, they try putting that gate in when VIP was in power and VIP made them take it Down. As NDP got it they put it back up... Take your passion there ... Or to the politicians..These are all local people..The Dawson and the politicians..
  • Bless child (23/01/2017, 16:36) Like (34) Dislike (7) Reply
    Yes the beach is public, hammock,chairs and whatever else they have on the beach is only for paying guests. Just to have this clear.
    • problem (25/01/2017, 23:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I used to swim there some 30 years, the problem is the man has covered the public beach in his chairs and hammocks so no where to sit. Its only because our beautiful BVI has no crime can he leave his stuff out. I respect private property but its literally claimed the beach, before responding go take a look!
  • The Real Bull (23/01/2017, 17:04) Like (41) Dislike (9) Reply
    You all have to read the labor code and understand the law.
    You could use the beaches but you cannot use the Resorts facilities.
    Its like if you go to Cane Garden Bay; the beach is public but you cannot expect to use the facilities that belongs to the people that owns water sports, unless you pay a fee.
  • TJ (23/01/2017, 17:15) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    SHE FROM HERE.
    • pat (23/01/2017, 18:35) Like (18) Dislike (5) Reply
      does that allow for rudeness? there are two sides to the story. given how small the beach is
      to have 20-30 people partying could be considered inconsiderate if they didn't even acknowledge
      the establishment. there are respectful ways of co-existing.
  • ------------------- (23/01/2017, 18:34) Like (8) Dislike (16) Reply
    even after he apologize he should still go home....
  • crucian (23/01/2017, 18:53) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Well Barack and Michelle are on their way here so they better make sure they have a great BVI experience.
  • rip N.Loyd (23/01/2017, 20:49) Like (14) Dislike (5) Reply
    tortolians are slowly becoming strangers in their own home,stripped n raped of our cultures(fishing-agriculture-beaches...)but i baarn hare is as tough as we get...wake up you fools!
    • pat (24/01/2017, 11:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      fishing agriculture and beaches are all affected by the NDP, not necessarily foreigners. where is government support for those?
  • facts (23/01/2017, 21:16) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    That beach on beef island is not private they put the gate there to try and stop people from distroying their property and steal their things and drive away with it. I go to that beach all the time with my children and no one ever stop me.The Dawson villas are close to the beach and there isn't any parking area for the number of vehicles that use to be in that little area. So they put the gate to control the movements of vehicular traffic because when you drive in you couldn't get out to much vehicles. So I know about the beach next to the Dawson lands at beef island.As a matter of fact I have been to almost every beach here in the bvi from jost van dyke to anegada.The managers for necker island use to try and stop people from using the beaches there especially when they have guests and one of our former local commissioner of police would tell his officers in virgin gorda to talk to the managers about the laws that govern beaches because none are private. Richard Branson from what I gather never had any issues with the beaches and visitors that are not guess on necker island.
  • open wide (23/01/2017, 22:46) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    deport dem baxside.
  • Clarity (24/01/2017, 10:05) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Being able to use the beach as a citizen vs causing disruption and disturbance to nearby businesses are two completely different things. People want to go to Scrub with coolers, music, grills and tons of people knowing full well that there is a resort in operation there. If you want to have a big bash with family and friends why not choose one of our many other beaches? Long Bay West, Smugglers, CGBay, Brandywine, Longbay Beef, Brewers and the few others? The fact is some people just love confusion and will get what's theirs in time so let them keep up the ignorance.
  • Well, well, well... (24/01/2017, 10:12) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    It always amazes me,,,the haters of locals need to realize their situation. They come to the BVI, they are in a better position than they were or will ever be in their own homeland. What do they do, they bite the hand that feeds them. How ungratelul can one be.
  • Sassy (24/01/2017, 13:33) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    The chairs and hammack belong to man u people to bright for wat is not yours
    • Nick at Night (24/01/2017, 23:06) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      @Sassy........so let he keep dem on he private property and not de public beach. What's on a public beach should be be for public use......end of story !
  • son of the earth (24/01/2017, 19:44) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    a public apology in front of ministers and the people or gtfo
  • ausar (25/01/2017, 14:37) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Stop sell ayo lan to white people!




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