Beach management plans are part of the beach management framework established by The Virgin Islands Beach Policy that was passed by Cabinet in 2021.

According to a press release from Government Information Service (GIS) on March 18, 2022, every beach will have a management plan that is tailored to that specific beach.

‘Striking the proper balance’

Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has said that development of beach management plans is the next step in striking the proper balance on beaches. He said, “Our beaches are of utmost value to us in a vast number of ways. What the beach management plan for Long Bay, Beef Island seeks to do is ensure that the beach is preserved, maintained and used in such a way to ensure that future generations can use the beach in the same way that we do, and not have comparisons of what it used to be due to poor management and events that could have been avoided.”

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Mr. Joseph Smith-Abbott said, “A beach management plan for Long Bay, Beef Island has been prioritised as it is one of the most popular beaches for residential use and has also experienced rapid commercial tourism development and activity since Hurricane Irma. In keeping with the approved Beach Policy, the vision for Long Bay, Beef Island is a beach we can all be proud of that balances environmental, tourism, economic, recreational, spiritual and cultural needs. The details of the plan will be developed in keeping with the Beach Policy and established best practices.”

Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley has said that development of beach management plans is the next step in striking the proper balance on beaches

Public to give feedback at all stages

The development of the Long Bay, Beef Island Beach Management Plan will be phased, starting with a conceptual plan and followed by a draft detailed plan and final detailed plan. The plan will be presented to the public for feedback at all stages.

The public is encouraged to give their feedback in one of the various ways that are available and upcoming. The public is invited to share their current satisfaction with the beach and vision for the beach by taking the Long Bay, Beef Island Public Survey that will remain open until April 30, 2022. The survey can be found at bvi.gov.vg/environment.

There will be a virtual community meeting on Tuesday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m. and a physical meeting at the Willard Wheatley Primary School on Thursday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. The conceptual Long Bay Beach Management Plan will be explained in its entirety at those meetings. Details for joining the virtual meeting will be shared separately.

In the meantime, the public is encouraged to view the Long Bay Beach Management Plan video on the Government’s Facebook page @BVIGovernment and email their comments to the Ministry at nrl@gov.vg.