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Chanlah Will Not Compromise on Beaches

Chanlah Will Not CompromiseAntigua St John's - The issue of guaranteed public access to all beaches in Antigua and Barbuda must be one of topical concern for all residents of the country, and no form of compromise should disenfranchise the people,

Said Minister of Lands Chanlah Codrington, who has taken a somewhat radical position on the subject. Codrington said he is not prepared to give in or compromise on what is clearly setting the stage for violations of the law.



Speaking with Caribarena.com on Friday after a meeting with the prime minister and Minister of Agriculture Hilson Baptiste, Codrington said that while he agrees that development is paramount to the progress of the country, it must not be allowed to infringe of the basic rights of the people.

The minister of state disclosed that while the PM and the agriculture minister appear to be on the same page with him when it comes to the people’s rights, they have asked that something of a compromise be conjured Codrington's part so that his approach does not hamper the developmental aspect of the country’s advancement.

He said the meeting discussed aspects of the laws that deal with the subject, and attempted to “strike a balance” between the two so that the residents and the developer could evenly benefit.

Codrington said the two issues (access and development) are very separate ones since the developers must deliver a project in keeping with the laws of the land. These laws make it clear that all beaches must have an access point that is open to the public.

According to the MP, "They are just trying to seek means and ways that they can resolve the adamant position that I am taking...  I maintain still that the law says no restriction should be placed on the public beach."

He added, “It was a meeting of the minds, (but) I am adamant that I don’t want anybody blocking our beaches. That is what the law says... that is what the people demands and there is no less expectation.”

The issue of sand mining is also of concern for Codrington, who believes that such a crime could be happening behind the gates of a closed beach.

The minister recalled being denied access to  a beach near a hotel on the southeastern end of Antigua. He said he was barred from the beach on the grounds that its “opening hours” had expired.

 Codrington believes that a precedent is in the making as far as beaches close to hotels and without addresses,  and such a practice could get out of hand, at the expense of the public.

“I cannot be lent on my position. I do not want anything put across the beach," he said. "Nobody should tell me when I can or cannot go to my beach; I should be able to go 24 hours a day. That is my position.”



He said he would continue on his mission to remove all illegally erected gates and fences blocking public access to beaches until they have all been removed and the notion of it becoming a norm is eradicated from the minds of developers.

“There are others that I understand are infringing and I am going to deal with them one by one," the MP said. "They are violating the laws and I will not rescind and I will not give in or compromise."

See related stories:

Gate Removal Sparks Controversy

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25 Comments In This Article   

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cause

#25 justin » 2012-05-22 12:51

So elections comin & at last Codrington find something to make noise about so we know he still alive!
This is an old issue and I believe the minister acted with the best of intentions - everbody know the amount of sand they theif!
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justin

RE: Chanlah Will Not Compromise on Beaches

#24 tenman » 2012-05-20 13:32

SlyThatGuy, no problem, but I stated this portion of the law since 2012-05-19 06:27, at least twelve hours before your post at 2012-05-19 23:06. I also made a similar comment to the prior story. I take it that while you make comments, you do not read those from others?

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tenman

@ Tenman

#23 SlyThatGuy » 2012-05-20 12:31

Tenman, thank you for producing the evidence.From the clause of the Phyisical Planning Act 2003 section 50(5),we all can verify that public access to the beaches must be "at all times."However, here is what I said that you obviously didn't understand:"So if V.C. Bird did not stress that there must be public access to all beaches in the country AT ALL TIMES,Mr.Codrin gton could be completely wrong for taking that kind of action..."
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SlyThatGuy

JW

#22 tenman » 2012-05-20 12:05

JW I see you have decided to ignore the portion of the law which states at all times. Is it now that the law does not matter? What gives a private developer the right to control use of a public road? The chief town and country planner states, he never gave such authority (listen to the clip at http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=75571).

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tenman

Public access

#21 JW » 2012-05-20 10:37

Help me to understand the meaning of free public access. Mr Minister for your information the owner of the land has provided public access to the beach. He may have restricted vehicular access for security reasons but certainly not free public access to individuals. If it is to great a distance for you to walk simply find another beach which allows you to drive right up to the edge of the sand.
And while your in the south, there is a chain barrier blocking my entrance to the beach where the Nest Restaurant is located just west of Valley. Go and knock it down so we all can have access to that beach as well!
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JW

SlyThatGuy

#20 tenman » 2012-05-20 09:18

SlyThatGuy SO WHEN the Physical Planning Act 2003 Section 50(5) says (in relation to beach access): Quote:
shall require as a condition a landward public access through the development at all times free of charge
, you are saying at all times really means it can be restricted? Specific to the Pearns situation, as a private person are you also suggesting that I can get permission from some government minister to put a barrier on a public road to determine when my neighbors can use it? Why do you wish to take a position which breaks the law?
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tenman

RE: Chanlah Will Not Compromise on Beaches

#19 SlyThatGuy » 2012-05-19 23:06

" Public access to all beaches in the country " doesn't mean access at whatever time.How come some public parks or playgrounds in the country cannot be entered at a certain period? So if V.C.Bird did not stress that there must be public access to all beaches in the country at all times,Mr.Codrin gton could be completely wrong for taking that kind of action,because the developers would not be acting in violation of any law if they open the gate during the day and close it during the night.
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SlyThatGuy

Bert,Ernie& Oscar the grouch.

#18 ANTIGUAN WOMAN » 2012-05-19 22:39

What is your position on the WPP issue ,the fencing scandal&the most expensive roads in the world( with craters all over)?? It is nice that you made this stance,but there are more serious issues that you have sat mute to,infact it was just a wk ago you were pleading your un-dying support for the PM&the UPP.You cannot choose to seperate yourself from one wrong while condoning some,it makes you an accomplice and therefore deserves no recognition for the one you choose to stand against,you are still very much a part of the Cartoon Govt.Mek up u mine.
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ANTIGUAN WOMAN

Woods

#17 ABC » 2012-05-19 20:40

Great idea.
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ABC

don't break the law

#16 skyewill » 2012-05-19 12:12

Not just in this situation but in all we do. DO NOT BREAK THE LAW
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skyewill

RE: Chanlah Will Not Compromise on Beaches

#15 north coast » 2012-05-19 11:59

Beaches are public but they should also have a opening and closing time just like other public spaces. People should not be able to setup a tent in the night on public beaches and camp without a permit. Your right to use the beach shouldnt give you carte blanche to do what you like on the beach.
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north coast

Developers not telling the truth

#14 Common Cents » 2012-05-19 11:12

It is apparent that most bloggers do not use this beach very frequently. I used to go here quite frequently to enjoy the quiet, undeveloped beaches. After about a year's break of not visiting this beach, I returned just a few months ago (march) to find a chain over the gate blocking my access. It is only within the past month or two that the developers had even bothered to open the gate during the day, due to community pressure. The issue of sand mining is only a smokescreen: the developers simply do not want picky headed locals mingling with their prized customers. Again, I applaud Chanlah's stance on this issue.
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Common Cents

Beyond closed gates

#13 Dax Rebel » 2012-05-19 11:08

Dear Bloggers,
Did it ever cross your mind that stopping the illegal sand mining may actually have a hidden agenda? The erection of the fence with a closed gate would allow the developers to do the very same thing without fear of prying eyes. This is a really convenient way of conserving all sands in the area for their use only. The secret 'agreement' or arrangement made with Bro B and Southwell was made behind the very same barriers, and would have remained a secret, if it were not for the intervention of Chanlah Codrington.
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Dax Rebel

Kudos to Chanlah

#12 Common Cents » 2012-05-19 10:56

I must say that I hold great respect and kudos are in order to Minister Codrington on this stance. I hope he continues to ensure that public access to EVERY beach is secured, and that businesses who have had the flaunted the law because of the chant of "FDI" (I'm looking at businesses such as Millreef) will have this corrected
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Common Cents

RE: Chanlah Will Not Compromise on Beaches

#11 AnotherDay » 2012-05-19 10:22

The issue of developing our nation underlines another issue, equity. For as we continue to monetize and liquidate our assets, the more we lose control and ownership of them. We must be prudent in how we utilize our resources, not just for today but generations to come. Heritage and legacy must be our calling, and not the part and parcel sale of our country. To lose accessibility to our natural resources would be a travesty, however the road we are currently on has us on that path. Foreign direct investment is important however we can not be blinded by the prospect of jobs, while we are not in the seats of power that create those means of employment. Lets build and develop in a way that reflects shared partnership, and equity amongst the people.
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AnotherDay

RE: Chanlah Will Not Compromise on Beaches

#10 beach belong we » 2012-05-19 10:05

WELL DONE CHANLAH!!! WITH YOU 101%. NO COMPROMISE WHATSOEVER. Erecting the gate will not stop illgal sandmining.
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beach belong we

RE: Chanlah Will Not Compromise on Beaches

#9 the truth » 2012-05-19 09:52

Chanlah - 150% support for your stance. PM & Hon Hilson have been xxxht by xxxxted xxxxxls to do their xxxing, xxxey, desperation for investment. They are not trustworthy and have forgotten the integrity factor that put them in Power. Do not stray from the law, keep on the right path. Well done.
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the truth

Finally!!!!

#8 marco polo » 2012-05-19 09:23

100% with you, Mr. Codrington.
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marco polo

RE: Chanlah Will Not Compromise on Beaches

#7 AntiguanYouthman » 2012-05-19 08:48

Finally a MP in the Government that is really on my side of this struggle. Thank you Hon. Chanlah Codrington, NO Compromising of our access. An adventist developer can say the beach is closed on a Saturday because of his beliefs and the public is left disenfranchised . thanks again Hon. Codrington. Shame on BS and Brother-B, why not compromise on the things you own, like; your car, house and other luxuries afforded to you and not the people. can't wait for 2014
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AntiguanYouthman

Shot sighted

#6 Robinhood » 2012-05-19 07:26

All beaches in Antigua and Barbuda should have been declared
National parks. No local or foreign investment should have exclusive
rights to to our beaches, to exclude citizens. The idea a hotel must be built
at the beach is a myth sold to the people by shady position with their
hand out looking for kickbacks. They can setup their property away from
the beach, then we can assigned areas for them to takecare of their guest.
Have you guys ever seen how it is done on Miami, fort lauderdale and palm
beach beaches - guys sell a product, don't give the store away.
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Robinhood

EVIDENCE OF SELL OUT

#5 BEEF » 2012-05-19 07:10

"The minister of state disclosed that while the PM and the agriculture minister appear to be on the same page with him when it comes to the people’s rights, they have asked that something of a compromise be conjured Codrington's part so that his approach does not hamper the developmental aspect of the country’s advancement". YOU KNOW WHAT THIS SOUNDS LIKE TO ME (NO DISRESPECT INTENDED - JUST BEING REAL)? IT SOUNDS LIKE A WOMAN SAYING, "HEY I WILL ** MYSELF TO GET AHEAD IN LIFE". THIS IS JUST SICKENING. IF PEOPLE A THIEF SAND, PUT MEASURES IN PLACE TO STOP IT AND PROCECUTE THEM. BUT I SUSPECT THIS IS JUST ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE "SELL OUT"

Read more: http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/news/latest/100562-chanlah-will-not-compromise-on-beaches.html#ixzz1vJS54xWA
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BEEF

they made an oath to uphold the law

#4 tenman » 2012-05-19 06:27

Quote:
“I cannot be lent on my position. I do not want anything put across the beach," he said. "Nobody should tell me when I can or cannot go to my beach; I should be able to go 24 hours a day. That is my position.”
Chanlah your position is also the law. THIS IS ALSO A PUBLIC ROAD. Anyone with a contrary position aims to break the law. Its sad that the parliamentarians you are arguing with, are willing to break laws they swore to uphold. If they cannot keep to what they swore to do, its time for them to demit office. The Physical Planning Act 2003:

Quote:
Section 50(5) Where a proposed development is likely to adversely affect the public's ability to access a beach from the landward side, any development permit shall require as a condition a landward public access through the development at all times free of charge
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tenman

RE: Chanlah Will Not Compromise on Beaches

#3 Sir Birdbrain » 2012-05-19 06:05

Seems kind of silly to argue over beaches when the South and Central American, Mexican and Confederate State Americans who invested in Antiguan CDs will soon have legal claim to all "Crown" lands.
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Sir Birdbrain

RE: Chanlah Will Not Compromise on Beaches

#2 Sir Birdbrain » 2012-05-19 05:14

So ripping off tens of thousands of people for seven times the amount the country's FORMER GDP isn't a big issue, but beaches for locals is???? :o

Hope you like that pond water and widdly widdley bush !!!!!
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Sir Birdbrain

RE: Chanlah Will Not Compromise on Beaches

#1 woods » 2012-05-19 02:46

Some will say that what Minister of Lands(?) Chanlah Codrington did was not right but I fully back his position. A short time ago I wanted access to the beach at Mill Reef Hotel, I proceeded to call the hotel for permission to access the property and I was very pleasantly told by the receptionist that I should walk around the rocks from Half Moon Bay as there is no casual entry for locals. Talk about being a third class citizen in my own country!

I fully intend to go and camp on all of the beaches at Mill Reef Club this year and who wish to oppose me can kiss my ass!
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woods

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