Senator Alex Browne, a candidate from the United Progressive Party (UPP) running for the St. Phillip’s North constituency, is once again raising concerns about access to local beaches. He is urging the Browne Administration to address this issue.
On July 15, Senator Browne spoke to George Wehner, a correspondent from REAL News, to shed light on a troubling situation in his constituency. He revealed that residents, particularly those from Willikies, have been denied access to Laurie Bay, a beach located west of Long Bay that holds significant cultural value.
Senator Browne clarified that he does not oppose individuals purchasing land, but he strongly objects to such ownership restricting residents’ right to access any beach.
The property in question was previously owned by Asot Michael, the MP for St. Peter, who later sold it to Baron Lorne Thyssen. Reports suggest that the baron acquired the surrounding lands as well, apparently with the intention to build a $70 million mansion, as mentioned in the 2021 Budget Presentation.
In a video interview, viewers can observe that the property has been fenced off, with a “Private property… no trespassing” sign placed just outside the perimeter, effectively denying access.
During the interview, two security officers from the property approach Senator Browne and Wehner, who were recording on the public road, seemingly to reinforce the no-trespassing directive.
Senator Browne claims that individuals visiting the area, even those with no intention of accessing the beach, are facing harassment.
In the past, he has highlighted that several traditional access points to community beaches have been blocked, and picnic areas have been restricted for the local villagers.
According to Wehner, the construction of a large bar has encroached on more of the shoreline on Long Bay. Additionally, the Verandah and Hammock Cove Resorts have assimilated Dian Bay, Devil’s Bridge, and Indian Town Creek. The Emerald Cove development has similarly restricted villagers from using Ledeatte Cove and Nonsuch Bay traditionally. The creation of The Peninsula and the blocking-off of former National Parks land leading to Devil’s Bridge also raise concerns for the communities in St. Phillip’s North.
The issue of beach access through land has been a long-standing problem for Antigua’s residents, and more recently, for those on Barbuda. Senator Browne is adamant about restoring the traditional access routes. Section 50(1) of the Physical Planning Act, 2003 states that “there shall be at least one public landward access to every beach in Antigua and Barbuda.”
Section 50(2) further states that “where there is no alternative public access, traditional public use of a private landward access through an existing private development shall be sufficient grounds for establishing a public right of way over that access for the purpose of access to the beach by the public.”
The law defines “traditional public use” as the “peaceable, open, and uninterrupted enjoyment for a period of twenty years.” Senator Browne, as the UPP caretaker, emphasizes that he and fellow villagers have enjoyed access to Laurie Bay and other area beaches since their youth, spanning decades.
He insists that the denial of such access should not be tolerated, and he is prepared to take action, even resorting to peaceful protests if necessary, to raise awareness and bring about change. Senator Browne urges residents to stop accepting situations where their traditional beach access is denied.
In the meantime, an attorney believes that developers are not being adequately informed that their property purchases must not hinder residents’ land access to the beach. The attorney emphasizes that the government has a responsibility to ensure that locals are not disenfranchised in this manner.
Furthermore, on the sister-island of Barbuda, the Barbuda Council’s removal of barriers to an access road that runs through a tourism property has become a matter for the High Court.
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The UPP are putting together an amazing and powerful erray of party members, that will bode well for the future wellbeing of the country. 🇦🇬
Gisele, Pringle, Simon, Alex Browne (shame about he surname 😁), Richards and the others coming through the ranks. Fantastic!
THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT, FOR OUR CHILDREN, THEIR CHILDREN AND THEIR CHILDREN’S CHILDREN …
Me love Antigua 🇦🇬
@Brix .. what did we witness here ..as far as this video I did not see any harassment from the security… The guys never address Whener or Browne. I guess they made inquiries from the other 2 people… and went on their merry way … since it is such a big concern why weren’t more people from the community in attendance. I see a failed politician Whener and the Senator playing politics. why didn’t you record the guard’s conversation so the public could ascertain… what went on … without a verbal recording this is a mute situation and you guys are just trying to stay relevant. The poor guy look like he was about to shit his pants when the guards approached … stop showing up at establishments unprepared .. call a town hall meeting and discuss with the constituent and pave a way forward … there is strength in numbers… Good concern but you are turning it into a political football wrong approach.. we all love access to our beaches.
@ Curious (Birdie)
You sound just like a jack braying ass.
Alex is on point, you are just uttering garbage, ‘Playing politics’, these scenarios are being played out constantly under a man that said he was poor, but now not standing up for the poor and disadvantaged citizens, but brow-beating and denigrating them, including LIAT workers, Port workers etc- Gaston like he is frightened he has a bit of wealth (which was stolen anyway).
Why are Antiguans sitting back and allowing access to their beaches to be taken away from them? The entire country needs to stand against this kind of apartheid system that is developing in Antigua. Stop allowing yourselves to be treated as second & third class citizens in your own homeland. Don’t wait on the government to fix it — they won’t.
The property owner can get away with it ONLY if you do nothing. So do something!
Stop the apathy — It is your country!
Why has DCA not designated a public access right of way for the public from the main road to these beaches? The law requires it and if the Baron blocks any such public access then the DCA should use its powers to enforce that public access right. If the DCA does not do so then any citizen can commence a high court action against the Baron seeking to enforce their right of access to the beach. Because the Baron owns the land does not give him the legal right to block lawful access to the beaches. They are not his to privately own.
This matter needs to be addressed and it is heartening that the MP is taking up this matter. It may very well be that the property owners are not making themselves aware of the legalese involved or it maybe something more sinister. Whatever it is, it needs to be immediately dealt with. Thank you MP for addressing it.
There are alot more beaches being done like this… mill reef club and hermitage/ perns point just to name a few are also being restricted … its sad that ppl come here and want to take the beach as private property.. the law needs to be enforced on persons not giving acess
Ah wah going here?
What exactly is going on here?
They taking our beaches too?
He’ll no!!!!
While in Antigua last year.I happen to visit Long Bay and Devil’s Bridge.There was a building under construction on the perimeter of Long Bay.Then I drove up to Devil’s Bridge.That was more mind boggling to me than Long Bay.That Hotel fence is almost on the road to that area.Sooner,rather than later,all of the Beaches in Antigua would not be accessible by Nationals and Residences on Antigua.Then what? We the people need to stand up and be counted or die in getting access to all of our Beaches back. We cannot and should not wait for this Administration to fight for our causes.For most parts they are in the side and back pockets.Of those who are trying to deny us access to those Beaches.THOSE BEACHES BELANG TO ALL A ARE WE.
Gaston and the labor party are too busy minding the world business and blowing smoke up the Antiguans a****. Blow up the bloody fence! How can labor people and their so call leader sleep at night?
yes keep them out because they don’t know how to act, they always going there to have sex, make noise and leave all their dam garbage behind!!
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