The Editor
The Anguillian Newspaper
Beaches of Anguilla
Once again the problem of beach upkeep, proper access and cleanliness comes around. There have to be some improvements made in this area. These beaches are our one and only real asset/attraction, the reason for that being we – the people – did not put them there – we inherited them. Three beaches are mentioned here.
1. Shoal Bay East: access to this beach is appalling. One must park and shuffle down between rather unattractive buildings (now needing upgrading – though lucky enough to operate on the public beach?), and gawking persons to find the beach.
2. Rendezvous Bay: (Thanks to whoever made the effort to put in a parking lot.) Our governments, past and present, must have their heads stuck in some of this sand. The only access to this mile long beach is on private property. To negotiate through this access, persons must stumble past huge boulders, a broken fence, prickly over hanging trees, cars, motor cycles – parked irresponsibly with no thought of anyone else, boom boxes belting out the latest raucous sounds, and damp, unpleasant odours of rotting bits of garbage. It is a disgrace of huge proportions!
This whole area badly needs cleaning up. This entrance is revolting and horrible!
3. The Cove Beach: In years past, ‘the Cove” was synonymous with the name Anguilla. Visitors from other islands would ask us Anguillians – ‘is the Cove Beach still there?’ (There were no roads to any of the other beaches and, of course, no access.) The poor Cove Beach is still there, just as it was hundreds of years ago – not even a coconut palm put in for beautification!
This problem is caused by us, the local residents, who do not care for anyone but self. There are no laws to follow and, of course, no restrictions on acceptable behaviour regarding other people using the beach. Residue of coal and the like is often left on the sand after the party is over – what a mess!
It is gratifying to see more and more locals using the beaches though the disrespect for others is increasing, as well as the loud swearing and shouting. But with fun comes responsibility. After all these years no Anguilla government has ever had a strategy or plan to encourage people to act responsibly, or to be proud of what Anguilla has to offer. People will never do this on their own initiative – they must be told. That’s what governments are for! A government official commented that many years ago there used to be sum of money in the yearly budget for upkeep of cemeteries – an item which has long since been phased out. It would be great if a standing government could put money in the yearly budget to clean, maintain and monitor our beaches. No beaches – no tourism for Anguilla. We lose their attractiveness, we lose Anguilla! Everybody has hotels – that competition is fierce – but very few places can boast of beaches like ours.
Open your eyes, Anguilla. Our beaches have to be maintained, kept clean and pleasantly accessible for all to enjoy. If our governments can’t handle the job maybe the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association may be able to do something. Or maybe some election ‘hopefuls’ could add beach upkeep to their ‘Promises List’. Our beaches need help from us all!
Hoping not to have to hold my nose, or ears or keep one eye closed on my next visit to the beach.
Sincerely,
An Anguillian citizen
