Government is undertaking more positive and long-term enforcement to protect and maintain public access to beaches across Barbados, with increased monitoring, enhanced use of planning tools and the development of a comprehensive public space access policy.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Economic Affairs and Planning, Marsha Caddle outlined this position during a site visit to Paynes Bay, St James, on Tuesday, where officials from the Planning and Development Department and the Coastal Zone Management Unit examined the potential impact of proposed coastal protection works in an area close to an existing public beach access point.
The Minister explained that the visit was prompted by an application involving the proposed installation of seven groynes, one of which could affect the public access at Paynes Bay.
She noted that coastal erosion, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, had already significantly reduced the available beach area, limiting the ability of beachgoers to move along the shoreline.
“While this is the official public access … because of some of the coastal erosion that has taken place, especially recently, and especially around Hurricane Beryl, we see that there is really not much beach left,” Caddle stated.
She indicated that the works proposed under the application were for the purpose of the kinds of shoreline protection that are often necessary, but that nonetheless, the relevant agencies were continuing their assessments, including a review of the environmental impact assessment, to balance coastal protection issues with those of public access and amenity.
The Minister indicated that any temporary construction activities should seek to preserve public access wherever possible.
“ We’re not talking about permanent removal of the access at all,” she emphasised, adding that maintaining some level of access during the execution of the works was among the considerations being examined, to the extent that it remained safe for the public. (BGIS)