Mather Rejects Exclusive Access to Baths
Honourable Mather has firmly stated that public access to BVI beaches is a fundamental right that must not be compromised for commercial interests. His comments follow the halt of a National Parks Trust proposal that would have granted exclusive morning access to The Baths for luxury cruise passengers. Mather emphasized that while conservation and sustainable funding for national parks are vital, they should never come at the expense of local access.
Territorial lawmaker Honourable Mather has strongly rejected any initiative that limits local access to the Territory's beaches, underscoring that public access and environmental conservation must go hand in hand. His remarks follow widespread public debate over a recently halted proposal that would have granted exclusive morning access at The Baths and Devil's Bay to a luxury cruise line.
The controversy arose after the National Parks Trust confirmed it had engaged in advanced talks with an international luxury cruise operator. The proposed agreement would have restricted general public access to the iconic Virgin Gorda sites from 9:00 AM to noon on nine peak-season mornings, reserving entry for fewer than 150 cruise guests before reopening to the public.
In a public statement, Hon Mather declared that all beaches belong to the people of the Virgin Islands and described The Baths as an essential part of the Territory's heritage and identity rather than merely a commercial tourism product. While acknowledging that the specific arrangement has been suspended, he noted that key questions remain regarding how to sustainably fund the National Parks Trust while safeguarding public rights.
Mather stated that he has consistently pushed during Standing Finance Committee proceedings for long-delayed legislation to empower and fund the National Parks Trust effectively. He argued that commercial users should contribute fairly to site preservation, citing dive operators at the RMS Rhone as a model where commercial activity supports park maintenance without barring residents from natural treasures.
Highlighting that preservation requires education alongside financial resources, Mather warned against careless anchoring, littering, and unmanaged visitor traffic. He called for a culture of environmental stewardship among both visitors and residents, stressing that teaching young Virgin Islanders to connect with their marine surroundings will ensure long-term protection.
Mather concluded that protecting the islands for future generations must remain a shared responsibility, maintaining that the government must never force a choice between local people and conservation.
Primary source: VINO