What are the problems that plague Cane Garden Bay, the most well-known and beloved beach in the Virgin Islands? The list is staggering, but this belonger believes the challenges are not insurmountable.
We who live here know that VI beaches are public. It’s what makes us so very special in a world of high-rise hotels and privatised beaches. Then why is it that VI residents and guests can’t find open space on a cruise ship day for our own chair or towel?
Answer: There is no enforcement or regard for standing laws.
Competition between vendors for space to rent chairs and sell goods has created an unpleasant environment for all beach users. Tourists are confused and disheartened when threatened by vendors for using or moving an unoccupied chair. Don’t vendors realise that if they create an inhospitable atmosphere this year, those same guests will find a friendlier vacation destination next year?
Designated swimming areas and the CGB anchorage are made dangerous by non-compliance and speeding powerboats and jet skis. Maintenance of the designated swimming areas is non-existent. Why isn’t the original contractor being held responsible for maintenance?
Proper usage of the dinghy dock and harbour “no wake” speed limits are a joke! We’ve already had one tragic child fatality from improper use of the dinghy dock. Does someone else need to die before we realise the potential dangers of unenforced marine laws in CGB? What would solve these marine-related issues? Answer: Compliance to and enforcement of standing marine and harbour guidelines and laws.
Noise and trash pollution are common complaints as well. Certainly we’ve seen an increase in garbage receptacles on the beach, which is positive, but why are they always full and overflowing? And why is loud music still keeping residents throughout the bay awake into the wee hours of the weekend?
Answer: Non-compliance and non-enforcement of laws already on the books.
‘Fresh new ideas’
Do we see a trend here? Anyone? Is anyone in government listening? Do they care about this wonderful beach community that put Tortola and the VI on the tourism map?
By all observations, government has not solved these problems nor enforced any of the laws currently on the books. The biggest problem is that regulations are not clearly presented to the public and consequently not enforced. Perhaps it’s time for some fresh new ideas to manage these issues.
Perhaps a new entity with the power to enforce rules would help resolve the many issues plaguing the bay. The National Parks Trust seems to be able to manage VI parks quite well. Why not make a portion of the beach in CGB part of the national parks system and see if the NPT can improve things? (A proposal might include the current CGB park and restrooms, and include the beach past the cemetery to the far west end of the bay). Any privately owned land in this area could be acquired by gift or purchase. The trust could then establish long-range goals and a plan for park development and parking in CGB.
Marine police
Perhaps a marine police presence should be established in CGB, with the authority to enforce laws and fine offenders.
Perhaps the laws governing our beaches and harbours should be publicly posted for the VI community as a whole. With public awareness comes responsibility, and that includes our responsibility to vote and hold elected officials responsible to protect our beautiful VI!
We as a community should take pride in the beauty that is “Nature’s Little Secrets” before it is too late. CGB is in desperate need of our care and concern, as a community, as a tourism destination, and as our home! Let’s work together to take care of God’s precious gift to all of us: Cane Garden Bay!