Gov’t promises to address Josiah’s Bay single access road

The government has given a commitment to examine the long-standing concern over the single access road serving Josiah’s Bay, following questions from residents about safety and emergency access.

Speaking at a recent community meeting in the Seventh and Eighth districts, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley acknowledged that the issue was raised directly from the floor and said it was already on his radar.

“So that’s something that we’ll look at. I’m also interested in that,” Dr Wheatley said while noting that his family has property in the area.

A resident had pointed out that Josiah’s Bay is developing rapidly and currently has “only one way in and the same way out,” warning that “[if] there’s an accident, you are stuck — you can’t get out.”

In response, Premier Wheatley disclosed that discussions had already taken place with adjoining landowners. “Actually, I was in conversation with some other landowners, adjoining to my family up there, who wanted actually to open up a road,” he said.

While he did not provide a timeline, the Premier indicated that the matter would be taken forward for further consideration. “That’s something we can take back and discuss,” he added in response to a related query from another resident.

Josiah’s Bay, located on Tortola’s north-eastern coast, is a popular beach destination known for surfing and residential development. Over the years, concerns have periodically surfaced about limited access, particularly during heavy rainfall or road blockages.

At the same meeting, Premier Wheatley outlined a broader concept of decentralising services in the East End and Long Look area to reduce strain on Road Town. He said the government is advancing plans for a new clinic, a senior citizens’ home and other facilities in the eastern districts.

“The concept is to decentralise some of these government services, which are right now centralised in Road Town,” Dr Wheatley stated.

He said funds have been placed in the budget to begin design work for key projects in the East, noting that tangible steps are being taken. “We have money in the budget to start designing the clinic and the senior citizens’ homes,” he said.