The Government of the Virgin Islands will be holding a series of community meetings as it seeks the public’s feedback on the recently drafted Beach Use Policy.

The meetings will start form Monday, September 16 to discuss the policy which seeks to clearly define what constitutes a beach, the Governmental Agencies responsible for management and maintenance, as well as the different kinds of permission that must be sought when persons in the community wish to have events and activities on beaches.

Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Mr. Joseph Smith-Abbott said, “Beaches are one of the most important natural assets that we possess in the Virgin Islands and their sustainable use and ecological integrity are paramount to our sustainability and economic growth.”

Mr. Smith-Abbott added, “The upcoming consultations will provide the public with an opportunity to understand the proposed management framework and assist Government in refining the same to ensure greater understanding and compliance with the rules for use.”

The proposed policy can be accessed on the Government’s website at bvi.gov.vg/environment. Persons are urged to read the document and lend their voices to this important exercise by submitting their feedback on the electronic form that accompanies the document. Upon completion of the form, they are to click the submit button.

Community meetings will commence on the following dates and venues:

Monday, September 16 in Paraquita Bay at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, HLSCC at 6:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, September 18 in Road Town at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School at 6:00 p.m.
• Monday, September 23 in West End at the Leonora Delville Primary School at 6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 25 on Virgin Gorda at the Catholic Community Centre at 6:00 p.m.
• Friday, September 27 on Jost Van Dyke at the Methodist Church Annex at 11:00 a.m.
• Monday, September 30 on Anegada at the Emile E. Dunlop Community Centre at 1:00 p.m.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration is responsible for the effective management of the natural resources of the British Virgin Islands.

Atatched Photo:  Beach Use Policy Community Meetings Flyer