More than 1,100 people have signed an online petition calling on Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his Cabinet to preserve public parking and maintain practical public access to Jolly Harbour Beach amid concerns that development could limit access to the popular shoreline.
The petition, launched by the Antigua Conservation Society on Change.org, had attracted 1,186 verified signatures at the time of publication, with 203 people signing on Sunday alone.
Addressed to the prime minister, the petition argues that the issue extends beyond the loss of a parking area and concerns the broader principle of ensuring Antigua and Barbuda’s beaches remain genuinely accessible to the public.
“We respectfully ask you and your Cabinet to protect long-standing public access to Jolly Harbour Beach by preserving practical public parking and convenient beach access for the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” the petition states.
Organizers say the parking area formed part of the original Jolly Harbour development and has served Antiguans, residents, visitors, yacht owners, villa guests, local businesses and tourists for decades.
They contend that reduced parking would make it increasingly difficult for members of the public to enjoy one of the country’s most popular beaches.
The petition also highlights the historical significance of the area, stating that archaeological evidence indicates people have lived along and used the Jolly Harbour coastline for about 5,000 years.
According to the petition, protecting public access is essential not only for current users but also for future generations.
“We support responsible investment and thoughtful development. Tourism is essential to our economy, and quality development creates jobs and opportunities. However, development should be planned in a way that protects public access and respects the rights of the people who call Antigua and Barbuda home,” the petition says.
The organizers are asking the government to ensure adequate public parking and convenient beach access remain part of the future development of Jolly Harbour Beach and that similar protections are applied to future coastal developments across Antigua and Barbuda.
Supporters have also been encouraged to leave comments explaining why maintaining public access is important to them and to share the petition to increase public awareness of the campaign.
link here: https://www.change.org/p/petition-to-the-hon-prime-minister-gaston-browne-protect-public-access-to-jolly-harbour?utm_medium=custom_url&utm_source=share_petition&fbclid=IwRlRTSATBsahwZG9mAWZkaWQWUKcOTcebNZOy4XIob2fV0jsjbSwJTWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR6UsNzZ-SJaivsNELn7-XeEW-hEbHLwFBpGqIwrHK5prbP3Dzz7n9sfG7PBHw_aem_tz4c6-ogWhGrdEAQwkq1ag
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: More Than 1,100 Sign Petition to Protect Public Access to Jolly Harbour Beach.