The Government of the Virgin Islands has officially started construction works on development of a Vending Zone as part of the Long Bay, Beef Island Beach Management Project, which also entails environmental restoration initiatives, establishment of a public picnic area and creation of structured parking areas to protect the beach dune.

The contract signing for the construction of the Vending Zone which took place in October with D.E Property Development was the result of an open, competitive bidding process. The contract was signed as the Government moves towards implementation of the Beach Management Plan which seeks to strike a balance between conserving and protecting Long Bay, Beef Island while allowing sustainable tourism activity. 

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, is asking beach goers to take notice that the construction has started.

He said, “I am happy to see this phase of the Long Bay, Beef Island Beach Management Project start to materialise. Construction activity began with clearing of the site on Friday 6^th December. The Vending Zone site is sufficiently set back from the beachfront to ensure long-term protection of the beach environment, while maintaining a view of the ocean.

The construction site was primarily covered with invasive neem trees which are actively being removed from the beach as part of environmental restoration efforts following impacts from Hurricane Irma.

Efforts will be made to save as many native trees as possible within the construction site. The construction site will be screened to minimise as much as possible the interruption to tourism activity. Additionally, the contract includes environmental and social safeguards to ensure that there is minimal impact to the environment and the experience of beach goers during the construction process which is expected to last 6 months”.

            Environmental restoration efforts are also continuing in December with removal of the remaining invasive neem trees at the eastern end of the beach, closest to the airport. The cleared area will be replanted with over 130 native trees that have multiple environmental benefits, including providing enhanced habitat for birds and other wildlife. The invasive tree removal and native tree planting is being supported by a $133,000 grant agreement also signed with Unite BVI in October. The grant agreement will support a number of other environmental restoration and protection activities, including:

· Creation of a living outdoor classroom and laboratory, 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.

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change is responsible for sound stewardship of our natural resources and envisions healthy andproductive land and marine ecosystems by implementing a robust legal and policy framework that fosters sustainable best management practices.