Surfers in St Thomas fear that upgrades to South Haven will introduce entry fees, despite the government denying any immediate plans for privatization. The beach, known locally as Makkas, features boulders under the water and scattered tires, but its primary draw is the quality of its waves, which professional surfer Icah Wilmot counts among the finest on the island.
A Quiet Coast with No Facilities
Access to South Haven is limited to a single footpath. The location lacks toilets, changing rooms, or food vendors, a situation shared by nearby spots like Mezgars Run and Retreat. A sign near these locations identifies the area as managed by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).
Mr. Wilmot has expressed interest in improved facilities for the area. However, he is concerned that the arrival of amenities like bathrooms often signals the introduction of maintenance costs that require payment, potentially leading to privatization. He advocates for community management of these facilities rather than government or private control.
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NEPA, which oversees the Beach Control Authority, has stated there are no current plans to develop or privatize any public beaches in St Thomas. Officials note that the fear in the region is based on precedent rather than an active proposal. The agency has also acknowledged that funding has historically restricted upgrades for many listed public beaches.
South Haven contains boulders under the water and piles of Sargassum, while old tires are scattered along one stretch of the shore.
Redefining Beach Rights
Legislation governing access dates back to 1956, with a major amendment in 1973. That original law never defined what constitutes a beach or a public beach. In March, the Prime Minister introduced a new policy to replace the existing framework, aiming to set up a licensing system for 67 public beaches.
