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The Government of the Virgin Islands has signed a contract to build a Vending Zone and an agreement to fund environmental restoration at Long Bay, Beef Island Beach.
Long Bay on Beef Island is a relatively quiet and less developed beach compared to some other spots in the BVI, offering a more tranquil experience for visitors other than possibly the noise from aircraft and traffic at the nearby airport.
Beef Island is not listed as an entity on the BVI tourism web site and is a small island connected to Tortola by the Queen Elizabeth II bridge. It contains the Terrance B. Lettsome airport.
These agreements are part of the Government’s plan to both protect the beach and support sustainable tourism.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. Natalio Wheatley, said that besides being important for the environment, Long Bay has always been a place for cultural and recreational activities, especially for people from the 7th and 8th districts.
Premier Wheatley said the objective is to preserve the sustainability of the beach and create some structure in which persons can have enjoyment and entrepreneurs would be able to make their living, all with balance.
The Premier said, “The vision for Long Bay includes creating a more attractive, inviting and comfortable space for tourism-based commerce; improved accommodations for vendors where they can enhance their products and services; creation of outdoor eating and entertainment areas that will add significant value to the visitor experience and amenities that each vendor can capitalize on as part of their business model and more.”
Premier Wheatley stated that that the Virgin Islands has several beaches that are in pristine or near pristine condition and that they must be protected and incorporated into the Territory’s tourism product.
The contract was signed with D.E. Property Development and is the result of an open, competitive bidding process.
The components of the project includes the construction of a Vending Zone, inclusive of 6 vending units, three scaled for full-service restaurant / bar operations, an outdoor eating and entertainment area and an administrative unit to support beach management functions by the start of the next tourism season.
Representative for the Eighth District, Marlon Penn, said, “We are to the point now where we have a project that I think all of us can be proud of – persons within the community who are going to benefit from it economically and persons who just use the beach in the mornings, like myself, and many others who go there just to enjoy the natural ambience on the beach.”
He added, “As district representative, it is an exciting time for me and for others who live in that community for the benefits this project will bring to us”.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Ronald Smith-Berkeley said : “The Vending Zone represents an investment of close to $600,000 that is expected to significantly elevate the tourism product offered at Long Bay and the Territory at large.”
The $133,000 grant agreement being signed with Unite BVI will support a number of environmental restoration and protection activities including:
· Planting of up to 130 native trees to complete restoration of the beach dune and removal of invasive tree species that outcompete native trees;
· Creation of a living outdoor classroom and lab, facilitating learning and research about beach dunes and significant local historic figures after whom replanted seagrape trees are being named;
· Implementation of interpretative and enforcement signage;
· Production of a public education video series on beaches; and
· Production of a briefing video for charter yacht excursions focused on environmentally responsible yachting in the Territory.
Unite BVI Foundation Manager Kim Takeuchi said her organisation celebrates the preservation and protection of Long Bay, Beef Island. Ms Takeuchi said, “This project embodies a harmonious approach to economic development and environmental conservation; two unities that we do believe have great impact for now and for the future.”
Source: BVI GIS.
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