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Back-filling completed on Cox Heath Sea Defense Wall

Back-filling on the 1450ft Cox Heath Sea Defense Wall has been completed, the Ministry of Communications and Works announced today, July 15, 2026. Photo: GIS
The Cox Heath Sea Defense Wall is designed to mitigate against storm surge and reduce storm surge damaging the road. Photo: GIS
The Cox Heath Sea Defense Wall is designed to mitigate against storm surge and reduce storm surge damaging the road. Photo: GIS
The section of road along Cox Heath is often affected by storm surges, forcing the Government of the Virgin Islands to takes steps to mitigate the problem. Photo: GIS/File
The section of road along Cox Heath is often affected by storm surges, forcing the Government of the Virgin Islands to takes steps to mitigate the problem. Photo: GIS/File
COX HEATH, Tortola, VI- Back-filling on the 1450ft Cox Heath Sea Defense Wall has been completed, the Ministry of Communications and Works announced today, July 15, 2026.

The Cox Heath Sea Defense Wall is designed to mitigate against storm surge and reduce storm surge damaging the road. The project, which includes an armored stone wall, is a preparatory component of the ongoing Nine Miles Road Paving Project.

‘Go break down that wall for God’s sake’- Skelton-Cline

The project has come in for strong criticism from some members of the public, including commentator and clergyman Claude O. Skelton-Cline, who called for the wall to be taken down since it is obstructing the scenic coastal views.

“You are messing up the character and the contours of what makes the Virgin Islands and Tortola in particular special and unique,” Skelton-Cline stated on one of his recent shows.

“Go break down that wall for God’s sake… Run that around. Don’t mess up the character and the contours of the Virgin Islands where you’re messing around down there,” he added.

17 Responses to “Back-filling completed on Cox Heath Sea Defense Wall”

  • I (15/07/2026, 14:56) Like (20) Dislike (6) Reply
    I understand the need but I wish there were another way other than obstructing the view. Driving that road always gave me a sense of calm and made me felt relaxed watching how beautiful the surrounding ocean views are.. now were.
    • CONCRETE (15/07/2026, 18:03) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
      I really expected concrete for all that money ???? asphalt?? Soon as the rain falls more problems.
      We are going backward.
      Wow
    • concerned citizen (16/07/2026, 12:13) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      There are beautiful views all over the BVI. This wall was needed because I myself felt it had become dangerous after a storm. The rocks and debris under my tires were scary, and I am not the only one who knows this. The sea and our infrastructure have been changing throughout the years, because nothing stays the same, even though we wish some things would never change. The entire world is changing, so for our safety, we must adjust.
  • Xxx (15/07/2026, 15:29) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
    The vip ah wuk
  • Feather in the cap (15/07/2026, 15:56) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is a very good project. If you ever drove West End and had to experience those rocks and sediments on the road you'll understand.
  • LOL (15/07/2026, 16:05) Like (33) Dislike (5) Reply
    Lol that back filled area coulda been a bike lane or sidewalk
  • BuzzBvi (15/07/2026, 16:53) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Celllkkevbbvrationnnn time.

    Surely another 300,000 dollar party is in order.
  • %100 raise (15/07/2026, 16:58) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    We want a lyming wall like DR, Guyana and Jamaica.
  • Citizen (15/07/2026, 17:07) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    So, may I ask if there is a drainage system annex the fill to avoid overflowing seawater and flooding during the rainy seasons?
  • sidewalks (15/07/2026, 18:03) Like (26) Dislike (4) Reply
    Whey dem is?!? Loads of people in the west walk that stretch. Cyclists also traverse that road and a bike lane and/or sidewalk would’ve been icing on the cake!

    Maybe in another 50 years that can happen…sigh…
    • Raw and Unfiltered (16/07/2026, 11:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Sidewalk, endorsed the sidewalk notion, suggestion. Yes, space permitting, a well-designed, protected walking, bicycling sidewalk can be put in place. A better view would have improved the experience. Leh us geh ah dun!
  • Carrot Bay (16/07/2026, 06:12) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    Yet Carrot bay had been neglected since Irma. First Isabella Morris now this
  • Raw and Unfiltered (16/07/2026, 08:10) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wow! Is this the unfinished backfilling look? Who accepted this project looking so aesthetically pleasing?? Should not the elevation of the edge of pavement be higher than the for slope? Should not the elevation of the road cross section have been raised?? Is there not going to be run-on from wall onto the pavement, resulting in spread in the lane(s)? In a two lane road, is this a good situation? Where is the road engineer? Wake up nah….waiting to hear from you.
    • Road Engineer (16/07/2026, 10:54) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Raw and Unfiltered,,Road Engineer here. You are on point with the relevant questions on elevation, spread, slope, run-on, etc. A picture is worth a thousand words.Beating a dead horse. Does the backfill look like it is complete? Does it look aesthetically pleasing? Where is the pride and quality workmanship ? Does the drainage pipes look like they were just fling in place?
  • Paint a mural (16/07/2026, 14:18) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    build sidewalks and make a lane for Bikers.
  • As usual (16/07/2026, 16:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Crap
  • @carrot bay (17/07/2026, 09:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree!!!! I am always disappointed in how the Government and Carrot Day Representatives has, over the years, ignored the needs of the Carrot Bay Community. Are we not in the Budget for repairs, replacements, etc. and any other community is Tortola?
    Because of my profession in the US; I have contacted the BVI Government and the UK regarding this situation. I am still waiting for a call back and or response.


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