The Government of the Virgin Islands is seeking the public’s feedback on the recently drafted Beach Use Policy.

The policy 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, “We value our beaches and want to ensure their ecological integrity and ability to fulfil various social and cultural needs in the long term. Therefore, we want to ensure that a dialogue ensues, which incorporates the public's feedback regarding the manner in which they should be managed”.

The policy can be accessed on the Government’s website at Environment | Government of the Virgin Islands. Persons are urged to read the proposed policy 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.

Public consultations will also be forthcoming in the upcoming weeks to further allow residents to share their concerns and suggestions. Feedback forms on the draft Beach Use Policy will also be available at the sessions.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration is responsible for the effective management of the natural resources of the British Virgin Islands, as well as the keen regulation of the supply of labour in the Territory, ensuring that supply meets demand. These functions are carried out through the various departments and statutory bodies in the ministry’s portfolio.