Work begins on Beef Island’s beach management project
The government has commenced construction on a vending one at Long Bay Beach, Beef Island, advancing the much-talked-about Long Bay Beach Management Project.
Officials said the initiative attempts to balance environmental conservation with sustainable tourism by introducing structured amenities and restoring natural habitats in the Long Bay Beach area.
In October, the government awarded a $600,000 contract to D.E Property Development for the vending zone’s construction, following an open, competitive bidding process. The zone will feature six units, including three full-service restaurants and bars, an outdoor dining area, and an administrative office to support beach management.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr Ronald Smith-Berkeley, announced that construction began on December 6 with site clearing. He shared that the Vending Zone is “sufficiently set back from the beachfront to ensure long-term protection of the beach environment while maintaining a view of the ocean.”
The site was previously overgrown with invasive neem trees, which are being removed as part of environmental restoration efforts following Hurricane Irma. The project hopes to preserve as many native trees as possible and includes environmental and social safeguards to minimise impact on the environment and beachgoers during the six-month construction period.
Environmental restoration continues this month with the removal of remaining invasive neem trees at the eastern end of the beach, near the airport. The cleared areas will be replanted with over 130 native trees to enhance habitats for birds and other wildlife. This effort is supported by a $133,000 grant from Unite BVI, signed in October.
The grant also funds the creation of a living outdoor classroom and laboratory to facilitate learning about beach dunes and significant local historical figures, implementation of interpretative and enforcement signage, production of a public education video series on beaches, and a briefing video for charter yacht excursions focused on environmentally responsible yachting in the Territory.
The Long Bay Beach Management Plan will be used as a pilot project to restore and maintain the beach’s ecosystem, which suffered significant damage from Hurricane Irma. The plan balances economic development with environmental preservation, ensuring that commercial activity does not compromise the beach’s natural beauty.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley announced that in 2025, several of the Virgin Islands’ beaches will adopt management plans inspired by the Long Bay project. He emphasised the importance of balancing environmental, commercial, and recreational interests to enhance the experience for residents and visitors while opening up new beaches and easing the burden on popular spots like Cane Garden Bay Beach and The Baths.
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THE POLITICIAN FAMALIES WILL GET ALL THE CONCESSION STANDS
The design of the structures built on the site will be critical, in terms of scale, materials and aesthetics.
Roger Burnett
We want development, with great aesthetics, in correct scale, and size!
No eyesores, painted with jarring colours,please!
They will be rent free just like Wickhams Cay land, Crafts Alive and soon to be Hunthums Ghut economic zone and the Road Town Market Place