The Anguillian,

Dear Editor:

Public Access to the Beaches of Anguilla - Don’t Blame the Investors

The old, old question! What has our governments (past/present) done or is doing about proper access to the beaches for ‘the people‘? ‘The people’ refers to the Anguillian people of today and tomorrow – what legacy will we leave for our children? There seems to be nobody looking out for ‘the people‘. Governments should rise above the politics of today and manage development for both the short and long term.

We are well aware that Anguilla needs developers and thrives on the work these provide. Nobody in our island goes hungry today. Everybody’s belly is full. This state of affairs is wonderful, but there are a few adverse effects which need urgent attention. The average person does not seem to care too much about what is happening other than the steady money coming in, but when he does look around he may be shocked to find the privileges he took for granted are gone forever! Don’t blame the investors!

With regard to proper public access to our beaches, the noose around our necks draws tighter everyday. What will happen one day soon is a negative reaction towards developers who are allowed to do whatever they please with our natural resources as long as the money keeps rolling in for all involved.

A few years ago a meeting was held in the Library Resource Centre by the Department of Lands and Surveys to discuss Beach Erosion in Anguilla. They distributed some impressive brochures on this subject. I still have my copy, but sadly the only comment I now recall is one official saying ‘sometimes we feel pressured’. I take that to mean, pressured into giving in to unfair demands for fear of antagonising investors who then say you are depriving your people of jobs. Governments often face an either/or situation. (You know the routine - play with me or I will take my marbles and go home.) I say, take your investment off somewhere else, we can attract more environmentally conscious developers to our shore. And we have no doubt about that. But these same developers should be made aware that there are limits within which they must operate. And they will cooperate, if only our governments clearly define just what these limits are.

When people become angry they will not stop to reason that our governments are to blame and may take out their frustration on the development nearest them. Who has the power to organize proper beach access? Who has the power to say do not build so close to the high water mark? Who has the power to say not so close to the road? Who has the power to say our fishermen (both commercial or fun fishing) must have a place to go to cast a line? Who has the power to say the people must have clear access to these so-called free beaches? Our elected Government!

It is hard to believe the average Anguillian or our visitors would deliberately annoy hotel guests or pollute the beaches. We need these developments. Cutting off your nose to spite your face is not a good idea! But if pushed into that corner (which is getting closer and closer) there is no telling what people may do.

Again, we are asking that the government get serious. Set up an effective commission or do whatever it is must be done to get this matter straightened out. The people can’t do it. Only the Government can, and now is the time. Don’t blame the developers. If you give away your shirt they will gladly take it. A sensible solution must be put in place as soon as possible. Give ‘the people’ their own ‘public access’.

Violet Berry

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