St Kitts and Nevis: PM to ‘defend the laws’ over public beach access

Members of the public have the right to access every single beach across St Kitts and Nevis, according to the prime minister.

Speaking at a press conference, Timothy Harris said: “All beaches belong to the government.

He was responded to a question over recent concerns that beaches, especially in tourist areas, may not remain open to the general public.

“I think it has long been established that there is a public access to every beach in St Kitts and Nevis, and that is something which Team Unity as an administration will honour.”

Harris referred to Chapter 11.03 of the National Conservation and Environment Protection Act, which states: (1) It is hereby declared that all rights in and over the beach are vested in the Crown and the public shall have the right of access and the right to use or enjoy the beach for recreational activities and purposes.

“(2) There shall be at least one public landward access to every beach in Saint Christopher and Nevis.”

Other legislative clauses were cited, which the prime minister said meant that “simply put, at all times, citizens and residents in St Kitts and Nevis must have access to a beach, and where that access is not provided the law empowers the government to act in the public interest to secure that access.”

Anyone trying to reach a beach while passing through private property should conduct themselves properly.