News > Research Edge: Beach Access
Research Edge: Beach Access Whether it be swimming in the calming aquamarine waters, enjoying a family grill out and volleyball contest on the sand or simply running the beach, Bahamians have long considered going to the beautiful beaches of Nassau a regular part of their holidays and weekends. However, in recent years, letters to the editors and popular talk shows have perpetuated the notion that the majority of beaches, the best beaches at that, are not accessible to Bahamians. It was no surprise then that the Lecture Theater at The College of The Bahamas was filled to capacity on Friday October 17, 2008, when researchers at The College's monthly Research Edge Forum presented the results of a survey they had conducted on "Beach Access". Contrary to popular belief and the hypothesis made by the researchers that Bahamians would be very passionate about losing access to prime beaches, "Bahamians have come to accept," the research shows, "that the best beaches have been reserved for tourists and wealthy costal owners." The 31 questions in the New Providence based survey, answered by 108 women and 72 men, was conducted between May and July of 2008 by a team of College of The Bahamas professors from the School of Science and Technology including; Lionel Johnson, Dr. Karra Reddy, Mrs. Sandis Phillip-Burrows, Mrs. JoyAnne Thompson, Dr. Marcia Mundle and Dr. Marlene Jackson. Researchers hope to not only publish their research, but to conduct further surveys on the Family Islands as well. Besides revealing statistics, the researchers were also able to identify 26 beach access points across the island. Those deemed "nicer" or more suitable for relaxation (due to their cleanliness and clear waters) were behind gated communities, hotels or private homes and could not be accessed by the public. Only 7 of the 26 beaches identified by researchers were listed as beaches frequented by survey respondents. According to chief presenter Lionel Johnson, "beaches enclosed behind walks and fences are not reserved for the majority." Mr. Johnson added, "Certainly, the public should have access to the best beaches."  "Is the high water mark enough though?" Jessica Minnis, Associate Professor in the School of Social Sciences asked, "or should future governments not sell beach front properties at all, but rather properties that give one a beach front view and are not necessarily on the beach itself?" Surprisingly, one student felt that owners had the right to deny access, even past the high water park, in order to protect their investment. Another audience member, Angelino Ferguson from the Nature Conservancy, reminded those listening that Stokes beach, while beautiful from certain angles, now has dumped washers, dryers and other debris as "scenery" in contrast to private beaches. In his words, "That is what Bahamians do in terms of Beach Access." In considering this, one must then ask; is it that private beaches are nicer or have Bahamians themselves destroyed the beauty of public beaches over time? After their 2007 return to power, The Free National Movement has been trying to improve beach access, a promise made in their Manifesto. Since then, signs reading "Beach Access" have been put up at beaches that many Bahamians perceived to be private. Professor Johnson says this is because over time, many private homeowners have fenced in not only their property, but the smaller access ways to the beaches, causing Bahamians to forget overtime that the access was once theirs. "Indeed, many hotel properties and private beach front home owners have reduced public access to their "private" beaches by making parking difficult or having Beach Access signs placed in positions where they are almost hidden."  Although those surveyed were not selected in a completely random manner, the respondents included a wide cross section of people and the survey yielded other interesting results. 96% of the 180 persons surveyed seem to remember going to the beach as children (24.9% going with their fathers), but now, only 40% visited the beach once per month and even more shocking was that only 60% went at least once a year. Those over 50 were more likely to go the beach for health purposes, while those between 21 and 30 seemed to go for more social purposes. So why on a land mass completely surrounded by water, do people (on average) only visit the beach once a year? 45% percent of persons surveyed revealed that access to the beach was a serious problem. 51% listed primary barriers to beach access as closed pathways, development and having been told to leave the beach. There were also a number of secondary barriers, including lack of parking, beach erosion, overcrowding and narrow access paths. In comparing beaches as they knew them years ago with today, 27% of respondents felt that litter stood out as the primary physical change in public beaches over the years. Whether or not you agree with the majority of those surveyed who accepted that the best beaches are for those who visit, or you are extremely passionate about being able to access all beaches, everyone can certainly agree with Eleanor Philips of the Nature Conservancy who said, "We must begin to take steps to protect and redo our beaches for future generations." The Research Edge forum, which is held at The College's Lecture Theater every month, certainly provided its attentive audience with plenty to ponder. Even after the lively question and answer session, many of those in attendance stayed behind to have discussions with the professors and amongst themselves, suggesting that Beach Access still remains something to talk about.
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