Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon. Melvin Turnbull has issued a stern message to persons in the Territory who have been violating public access to beaches.
Turnbull rose before the House of Assembly to address what was later described as a worsening issue being monitored by the Ministry and other stakeholders.
According to Hon. Turnbull, his Ministry has been in receipt of written and verbal reports of incidents in which persons are not adhering to the law on beach access, whether from not knowing the law or simply choosing not to adhere.
One such incident, he said, unfolded at Little Trunk Bay on the island of Virgin Gorda.
Turnbull said that the Ministry has been informed of multiple incidents involving the owner of a property there who is accused of attempting to restrict access to the beach, harassing beach users and erecting illegal signage to restrict parking in the area.
Turnbull reminded that the necessary legislation to guide beach access does exist and should be adhered to.
He has warned this property owner, and other accused offenders to cease this behaviour.
Turnbull’s statement that day was lauded by Representative for the 9th District Hon. Vincent Wheatley who noted that this issue has been in need of dire attention.