Long Bay beach to be left untouched; No vending allowed!
This was said at the public meeting called by the Honourable Minister to discuss issues surrounding the relocation of the main access road near the Brandywine Bay beach on September 12, 2013. The statement was made in the wake of concerns expressed by residents about allowing beaches on Tortola to remain in their natural state.
“We are not going to allow any economic activity on the beach, there is not going to be any vending on Beef Island beach. It is going to remain in its natural state in perpetuity,” said Dr Pickering.
He further said the beach will be turned over to the National Parks Trust as Government had done some work to the beach to enhance its setting and making it one of a more family, fun and friendly environment. “It is going to be managed as is in its natural state so that generations to come are going to see a beach in its natural state. It’s not for us to develop everything.”
Hon. Kedrick Pickering, Eighth District Representative Hon. Marlon A. Penn and the BVI Tourist Board had joined forces to enhance the Long Bay beach on Beef Island at the close of 2012.
At that time it was an ongoing project to beautify the eastern end of the island and Hon. Penn had taken steps to instill community pride by cleaning and improving the Long Bay beach. The initiative included removing the excess shrubs that cluttered the beach, along with all waste material and constructing a more appealing entrance to the beach.
Tables and benches were also to be placed along the beach to provide a more family atmosphere where the public can come to the beach to have picnics and family fun days.
Government had circulated a press release in which Hon Penn had said, “We started this initiative as a means of capitalizing on the natural beauty that the islands exude. Long Bay Beach is one of the biggest beaches in the Territory and it boasts breathtaking views and a variety of swimming areas for every family member. This is why we have chosen to enhance that spectacular asset by cleaning the whole beach and providing areas where persons can have a nice time and relax while enjoying our crystal clear waters. We will also be putting hammocks along the beach area where persons will be able to relax in the shade on a nice sunny day.”
The completed plan for the project had catered to include a restroom facility and two to three individuals from the community were to be selected to maintain and clean the beach throughout the year.
The first phase of the enhancement initiative, which included the cleaning of the beach and the upgrade to the entranceway, started on December 3, 2012.
The proposed design for the final phase of the initiative, which will include the addition of restroom facilities, should have been presented to the community earlier this year for review and feedback.
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