Work starts on Beef Island vending zone

Construction is under way on a new vending zone as part of the Beach Management Project at Long Bay, Beef Island, government announced last week.

“Construction activity began with clearing of the site on [Dec. 6],” said Ronald Smith-Berkeley, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change. “The vending zone site is sufficiently set back from the beachfront to ensure long-term protection of the beach environment while maintaining a view of the ocean.”

The development, which is expected to be complete within six months, is to feature three restaurants and bars along with six vending units, government announced after an Oct. 11 contract-signing ceremony.

At the time, a $600,000 construction contract was signed with D.E. Property Development following an open bidding process.

Invasive trees

According to government, the construction site was covered mostly with invasive neem trees, which are being removed as part of environmental restoration efforts following impacts from Hurricane Irma.

At the same time, efforts are being made to save as many native trees as possible within the construction site, officials said.

“The construction site will be screened to minimise as much as possible the interruption to tourism activity,” the ministry added in a press release.

“Additionally, the contract includes environmental and social safeguards to ensure that there is minimal impact to the environment and the experience of beachgoers during the construction process.”

Ongoing project

The ongoing Beach Management Project, which is based on the government’s 2022 management plan for the area, also includes other environmental restoration initiatives, construction of a public picnic area, and creation of structured parking areas designed to protect the beach dunes.

Some of this work has already been completed.

Earlier this year, for instance, a restoration project funded by the Unite BVI Foundation removed hundreds of non-native trees and replaced them with seagrapes and other native species.

Ongoing eco-work

This month, such environmental restoration efforts are also continuing with removal of the remaining invasive neem trees at the eastern end of the beach closest to the airport, according to government.

This cleared area will be replanted with more than 130 native trees expected to bring benefits including providing enhanced habitat for birds and other wildlife.

The ongoing work is supported by a $133,000 grant agreement the government signed with Unite BVI in October.

The agreement will also support other environmental work, according to the ministry:

• creation of an outdoor classroom and laboratory designed to facilitate learning and research about beach dunes and historic figures after whom replanted seagrape trees are being named;
• installation of interpretative and enforcement signage;
• production of a public education video series on beaches; and
• production of a briefing video for charter excursions focused on environmentally responsible yachting in the territory.