Cane Garden Bay upkeep should be prioritised, gov’t told

in All News / By: BVI News on January 8, 2026 at 6:17 AM /

Cane Garden Bay Beach

First District Representative Dr Karl Dawson has called on the government to give greater priority to the upkeep and cleanliness of Cane Garden Bay, describing the area as one of the most important destinations on Tortola.

Speaking in the House of Assembly, Dawson urged the Premier and Minister of Tourism to treat the area differently from other locations due to its heavy visitor traffic.

“Right now, the most popular site for visitors in the territory — on Tortola, certainly — is Cane Garden Bay,” Dr Dawson said. “When it comes to the cleanliness and the upkeep of Cane Garden Bay, it must be treated differently… this is where everyone is heading.”

Cane Garden Bay has one of the BVI’s most well-known beaches, attracting cruise ship passengers, yachting visitors and day-trippers with its calm waters, white sand, beachfront restaurants and water sports. It is also a frequent stop on cruise excursions, making it a key first impression of the territory.

However, the popularity of Cane Garden Bay has also brought challenges. Previous discussions by Deputy Premier Julian Fraser highlighted concerns about beach crowding caused by commercial chairs and vendors, underlining the ongoing difficulty in balancing public access and tourism service needs.

Residents and stakeholders have long noted that beauty and cleanliness are crucial not only for visitor satisfaction but also for community pride. With heavy cruise season crowds and year-round visitors frequenting bars, restaurants and seaside vendors along the bay, calls for well-coordinated maintenance — from litter control to landscaping — have intensified.

According to Dr Dawson, maintaining the Cane Garden Bay beach is not optional but essential to the BVI’s image. He said the government must ensure the area is “always looking pristine as a place that reflects where most visitors to the island go.”

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