Cane Garden Bay Beach: According to the Draft Beach Use Policy, due to the lack of an approved comprehensive beach management framework and holistic beach management plans that take into consideration the myriad of environmental, socio-cultural and economic issues associated with beaches, ‘the Territory’s beaches have been mostly developed in an ad hoc manner.’ Photo: VINO

Cane Garden Bay Beach: According to the Draft Beach Use Policy, the ultimate goal of a Beach Management Commission will be the overall management of all beaches in the Territory and to safeguard beaches by promoting safety and security; regulating use; managing multiple users to avoid conflicts; and managing economic activities on and near the beaches. Photo: VINO

A Draft Beach Use Policy, which seeks to clearly define what constitutes a beach, the governmental agencies responsible for management and maintenance, as well as the different kinds of permission that must be sought when persons in the community wish to have events and activities on beaches, has been released to the public for input. Photo: bvi.gov.vg

The policy can be accessed on the Government’s website and persons are urged to read the proposed policy and lend their voices by submitting their feedback on the electronic form that accompanies the document.

And, according to a press release from the Department of Information on June 18, 2019, “public consultations will also be forthcoming in the upcoming weeks to further allow residents to share their concerns and suggestions. Feedback forms on the Draft Beach Use Policy will also be available at the sessions.”

Beach Management Commission

The Draft Beach Use Policy makes a recommendation for the creation of the Beach Management Commission.

It noted that unfortunately, due to the lack of an approved comprehensive beach management framework and holistic beach management plans that take into consideration the myriad of environmental, socio-cultural and economic issues associated with beaches, “the Territory’s beaches have been mostly developed in an ad hoc manner.”

It said general use of beaches for organised recreational or entertainment purposes for instance, are largely unregulated. “Laws and policies that govern this are either lacking or outdated. Additionally, in some instances access/use of some beaches in the Territory has been denied by individuals who lay claim to the beach.”

The draft policy noted too that although the management of beaches in general falls under the remit of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour as a public natural resource, a number of other government agencies play a significant role in beach management.

It said; however, the creation of a Beach Management Commission is advanced, whose ultimate goal will be the overall management of all beaches in the Territory and to safeguard beaches by promoting safety and security; regulating use; managing multiple users to avoid conflicts; and managing economic activities on and near the beaches.

Functions of the Commission

According to the Draft Beach Use Policy, the Commission would have the ability to vet and recommend all applications for commercial use of beaches and work with regulatory agencies to coordinate all aspects with respect to beach management. The Commission’s recommendations will be submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration for the ultimate approval of the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands.

“The Commission would effectively provide broad policy guidance concerning the use of beaches so as to ensure that they are well maintained, safe and attractive for all users; thus, enhancing the tourism product, safeguarding the ecological integrity and promoting widespread social and economic benefits.

The draft policy recommended that the Beach Management Commission be comprised of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration (Chairperson), Director of the BVI Tourist Board, Head of the Environment Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, a representative of the Trade Division and three (3) private sector representatives selected by the Minister for the subject matter.

It said the work of the Commission will be supported by representatives of technical agencies responsible for licencing and permitting processes.