Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has expressed concern over reports that public access to beaches in the Virgin Islands is being hindered by beach chairs lining the coast, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Cane Garden Bay.
Fraser was speaking at the time on the government’s Virgin Islands Voice programme. Some residents have complained that they are unable to freely enjoy the beach because of commercial operations occupying large sections of the shoreline.
“If you go in some place like Cane Garden Bay, it’s virtually impossible to get any space on the beach as the entire coast is filled with chairs,” the moderator noted during the show.
Fraser responded, “I didn’t realise that they were crowding the beach with chairs. That should not be the case.” He explained that the current policy allows businesses to use beaches for commercial purposes only under the condition that they remove their chairs at the end of each day.
“Our policy is that you take your chairs up in the evening, you bring them out when you need them,” Fraser stated.
He acknowledged complaints that some vendors leave their chairs out permanently, citing the labour involved in daily removal. However, he stressed that no business has ownership of public beach space. “Anyone who wants to use the beach is supposed to seek permission from the ministry,” Fraser explained.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley also weighed in on the issue, praising efforts already underway at Long Bay Beach to better manage space between visitors, residents, and businesses. “A part of the beach management process is making sure that we have a balance,” he stated.
Dr Wheatley pointed to the Long Bay Beach Management Plan as a model which sets guidelines on where and how beach chairs can be placed. He praised the Deputy Premier’s ministry for enforcing those standards and suggested the same approach could be expanded to other beaches across the territory.
Public concerns about access to beaches have been growing as tourism rebounds and private businesses seek to cater to cruise visitors and overnight guests. Under the BVI Constitution, all beaches in the territory are public up to the high-water mark.
Fraser committed to looking into the situation further.
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