Contract signed for new vending zone @ Long Bay Beach on Beef Island
This was disclosed at the Contract and Grant Signing Ceremony for Long Bay, Beef Island Beach Management Project today, Friday, October 11, 2024.
Vending zone
The vending zone will be constructed by D.E. Property Development.
According to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Ronald F. Smith Berkley, the contract with D.E. Properties Development is a result of an “open competitive bidding process” and will deliver the construction of the vending zone inclusive of 6 vending units, including 3 scaled for full service restaurants and bar operations, an outdoor eating and entertainment area and an administrative area to support the beach management function.
The vending zone, Mr Smith Berkeley added, will represent an investment close to $600,000.00 and is expected to significantly elevate the tourism product offered at Long Bay and across the territory.
“This investment will be and maintained through a sustainable management model, which will reap dividends in years to come,” Smith Berkeley stated.
$133K grant from Unite BVI
The event this morning was two-fold as there was also a grant agreement signing ceremony between the Government of the Virgin Islands and United BVI, who has pledged a $133,000 grant for the continued environmental restoration of Long Bay Beach on Beef Island.
Mr Smith Berkeley said the $133,000.00 grant from Unite BVI will support the environmental restoration and protection activities at Long Bay Beach, including planting of up to 130 native trees, creation of a living outdoor classroom lab, implementation of interpretative and enforcement signage, and production of a briefing video for charter yacht excursion.
The Permanent Secretary said the grant follows a successful implementation of a Unite BVI Grant of over $64,000.00 in 2023 to start the environmental restoration for Long Bay Beach on Beef Island.
VI’s beaches contribute $194M to economy yearly- PS Smith Berkeley
Smith Berkely recalled that a study was conducted by the University of Amsterdam in 2013 on the tourism value of the environment and that it found that 76% of tourists surveyed agreed that beaches in the VI are particularly beautiful.
He said the study also found that the VI’s beaches contribute $194M to the economy every year, “which is quite significant.”
The researchers, Mr Smith Berkeley said, “concluded that beaches are the most important ecological asset of the BVI and may well be considered the engine of our economy. For this reason, the beaches and the ecosystems supporting this ecological asset should be managed well.”
He noted that beaches are fragile and without careful planning could lead to their disappearance.
Long Bay Beach Management Plan
In 2022, it was disclosed, the Ministry in consultation with multiple government agencies and the public, developed the Long Bay Beach Management Plan as a pilot to restore our beaches.
Mr Smith Berkely said Long Bay Beach on Beef Island was selected for a number of reasons, including the historic significance of the beach to residents and tourism.
He said two important aspects of the Long Bay Beach Management Plan were the development of “fit for purpose” vending zones and implementation of “what we have done, Operation Restoration, to protect and replant the beach dune with native vegetation, which is best for the beach. The dune is a critical aspect of the beach ecosystem that will ensure the beach can stand the test of time,” Smith Berkeley said.
Among those giving remarks were Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7); Eighth District Representative, Hon Marlon A. Penn; Foundation Manager of Unite BVI, Kim Takeuchi; and Contractor and Project Manager of D.E. Property Development, Mr Dennis Ricketts.
Follow Us On
13 Responses to “Contract signed for new vending zone @ Long Bay Beach on Beef Island”