BVI News

$28K contract to deter powerboaters from anchoring in swim zones

“Powerboaters infringing on the swimming area … is dangerous and is also a potentially fatal accident waiting to occur” — Wheatley

Government is spending $28,035 to put measures in place to stop the common practice of powerboaters operating their vessels in swimming zones at Cane Garden Bay beach on Tortola.

Natural Resources Minister Vincent Wheatley said in a statement on Monday that a contract was signed between government and Commercial Dive Services Limited to supply and install ‘Swim Area’ and ‘No Anchoring’ markers at the popular attraction.

“The situation in Cane Garden Bay, Tortola that involves powerboaters infringing on the swimming area and anchoring their vessels on the shoreline has been a problem to the beachgoers and the community. This occurrence is dangerous and is also a potentially fatal accident waiting to occur,” Wheatley said.

“The Government of the Virgin Islands has been working diligently to remedy this issue and I am proud to say that this problem will be no more by the beginning of August.”

Help us!

In the meantime, the minister said members of the public must play their part in helping the issue remain under control.

“Beyond simply remedying a problem, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage persons to assist in the preservation of this investment. This is not the first time that a ‘Swimming Area’ and ‘No Anchoring’ markers are being purchased and placed in Cane Garden Bay.”

He said he has been made aware that, in the past, these markers were vandalized and eventually removed from the beach “because some persons feel that boaters having full access to the beach is more important than the safety of the beachgoers that may be present in the swimming area at any given time”.

He, however, said the soon-to-be-installed markers will be reinforced and more difficult to remove without the use of proper machinery.

“In the interest of the territory, I am asking persons to report anyone who they may find tampering with any of the equipment that is placed in, not only the beaches, but in any public area for the safety of everyone so that those persons can be dealt with by the local authorities,” the minister further said.

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13 Comments

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  1. Jane says:

    And the dinghy dock? I take it government is fixing this too?? You cannot tell boaters to stay off the beach and then not provide a safe (planks and side rails replaced, properly lit, CCTV) dock for tenders. We need joined up thinking here please

    Like 16
  2. Wow says:

    Ho,Ho puerto Rico

  3. Really says:

    Ok it’s dangerous in cgb but not at white bay jvd I guess someone has to make a post about that to get your attention smh

    Like 13
  4. Goodsense says:

    Was this contract tendered?

    Like 7
    Dislike 4
  5. well sah says:

    It seems like this is the only minister that making sense

  6. CW says:

    Hey look! More STRUPE comments COMPLAINING ABOUT SOMETHING GOOD.

    STRUPES ARE DESTROYING YOUR FUTURE

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  7. 860tourist says:

    They should keep an eye on Smuggler’s also. They come in so close, uncalled for. I was all alone on the beach one day, a decent sized boat came in, dragged the boat right up on shore and plunked their blanket down right in front of me. Empty beach and they had to ruin my day! 🙂

  8. Lilly says:

    I think this needs to happen on all beaches in the BVI. I witness boats coming full speed towards the shore and people have to be scampering to get out the way. This happens at White bay, Smugglers Cove, Cane Garden Bay, Brewers Bay. When the bow of a boat is so high, the captain cannot see immediately in front of him, so whatever measures are being put in place, should be put in place for all beaches and not just one.

    Like 10
  9. musa says:

    great start

  10. Upfullness. says:

    White Bay JVD Should have the same as CGB

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