Outcry Over Proposed Landmark Access Restrictions on
Former lawmaker and tourism advocate Shereen D. Flax-Charles has voiced strong opposition to proposed restrictions on public access to iconic national landmarks like The Baths and Devil's Bay for private commercial interests. Speaking at a community meeting on Virgin Gorda, she urged territorial solidarity and warned of mass demonstrations if public rights are compromised.
Flax-Charles has sounded a passionate alarm over proposals to restrict public access to prominent national landmarks in exchange for private commercial interests, warning that such measures threaten the heritage of the entire territory. Addressing attendees at a Ninth District Community Meeting held at the St.
Mary’s Episcopal Church Hall on Virgin Gorda on Monday evening, August 31, 2026, Flax-Charles cautioned that closing or privatising natural treasures like The Baths and Devil's Bay sets a dangerous precedent that could soon ripple across all sister islands if left unchallenged. Flax-Charles, who is the sister of former Director of Tourism Sharon P.
Flax-Brutus, underscored the broader territorial implications. She pointed out that unchecked commercial exclusivity could easily spread to destinations such as Anegada, where public access to iconic sites could face similar threats. She questioned whether residents on sister islands would soon be told they cannot visit local treasures like the Conch Mounds because a cruise ship had bought exclusive access for the day.
Firmly rejecting financial rationales put forward in favour of the proposed restrictions, Flax-Charles criticised attempts to trade public heritage rights for short-term monetary compensation. She directly challenged the government's budget priorities, declaring that the territory is being sold out for a few pieces of gold or silver while officials attempt to wave an estimated 450,000 dollars in front of the community.
In an uncompromising call for civic mobilisation, Flax-Charles urged residents across the Virgin Islands to prepare for mass public demonstrations if official negotiations fail to safeguard uninterrupted public access. She stressed that any demonstration must draw thousands of participants to Road Town rather than a small delegation of a few individuals, insisting that the dispute extends far beyond Virgin Gorda and affects the entire British Virgin Islands.
The pushback against restricting access to The Baths and local beaches continues to receive strong political backing. Ninth District Representative Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley reaffirmed his long-standing opposition to any limitations on The Baths and Devil's Bay, standing in solidarity with concerned residents.
Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser has also voiced his firm rejection of agreements that would hinder public access to beaches and landmark sites across the territory.
Primary source: VINO