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 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 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.