Work begins on Beef Island’s beach management project

The government has commenced construction on a vending one at Long Bay Beach, Beef Island, advancing the much-talked-about Long Bay Beach Management Project.

Officials said the initiative attempts to balance environmental conservation with sustainable tourism by introducing structured amenities and restoring natural habitats in the Long Bay Beach area. In October, the government awarded a $600,000 contract to D.E Property Development for the vending zone’s construction, following an open, competitive bidding process. The zone will feature six units, including three full-service restaurants and bars, an outdoor dining area, and an administrative office to support beach management.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr Ronald Smith-Berkeley, announced that construction began on December 6 with site clearing. He shared that the Vending Zone is “sufficiently set back from the beachfront to ensure long-term protection of the beach environment while maintaining a view of the ocean.” The site was previously overgrown with invasive neem trees, which are being removed as part of environmental restoration efforts following Hurricane Irma. The project hopes to preserve as many native trees as possible and includes environmental and social safeguards to minimise impact on the environment and beachgoers during the six-month construction period.