Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/4352/-1/140/

PUBLIC ACCESS TO BEACHES: Government States Position


The Anguilla Government says it is committed to ensuring that all beaches are accessible and have ample parking places.


Sign at Altamer Resort
Sign at Altamer Resort
A release dated February 5, issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, came in response to complaints particularly by residents in the western areas of the island.
It stated that Ministers of Government had made numerous field trips with various concerned groups throughout the island, as well as on their own initiative, to make certain that access to the beaches was being preserved as tourism development work continued.

The release continued as follows:

“Government has time again made it clear to all stakeholders, shareholders, developers and investors that the beaches are public domain and as such access, as well as parking, must be a permanent feature in their overall development.

“Consequently, all developers have instituted public accesses and parking to the respective beaches in their developmental plans. These plans are actually included in the Memorandums of Understanding and Agreements to be upheld and adhered to. Government will enforce these aspects of all developments in particular.

“However, whilst it is desirable to access these areas now, consideration must be given during the actual developmental stages of these projects for limited access as the nature of the developments lend to serious injuries or even death of persons traversing the properties. It may seem far fetched but the reality exists whereby persons traversing the properties in the day or night could become victims to trenches, gutters, pipes, heavy equipment and other aspects of construction activities.

“Government in no way is seeking to pacify the public or justify the developers’ policies regarding limited access during the construction phases, but wishes to point out an obvious reality. The Anguillian public is encouraged to remain vigilant. Government remains vigilant in the realisation of the people’s interests, culture and heritage. Time will reveal equally that the Government is not paying lip service to the [island] nation.”




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