Barbados Moves to Protect Public Beach Access After Paynes Bay Path Blocked

Barbados is stepping up enforcement and planning to protect public access to beaches, with a new public space access policy in development. At Paynes Bay, officials are reviewing a proposal for seven groynes, one of which could affect a beach access point, as erosion worsened by Hurricane Beryl has already reduced shoreline space.

Government is reviewing beach access across Barbados, with officials using a Paynes Bay site visit to assess how erosion and proposed coastal protection works could affect public entry. Minister Marsha Caddle said a recent audit has mapped official and historical access routes, and the state will tighten enforcement and require alternative access where needed.

Barbadians still have a legal right to access all beaches, but Minister of Economic Affairs and Planning Marsha Caddle said changing conditions mean access may not always look the same as it did years ago. Speaking at a World Planning Day church service, she said the Planning Department is also monitoring unauthorised development and will soon address orderly development in Barbados.