OBA, Minister & HBL On Horseshoe Concession
[Updated] “The concession at Horseshoe Bay beach has been the subject of many concerns from the public,” OBA Senator Dwayne Robinson said, with Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch responding by saying “while we continuously strive to address and mitigate any issues related to beach management, it is crucial to understand the complex balance we must maintain between local needs and our vital tourism industry.”
OBA Senator Dwayne Robinson Statement
Senator Robinson said, “The concession at Horseshoe Bay beach has been the subject of many concerns from the public. Almost two months ago I was prompted to put forward a formal complaint due to being contacted by so many constituents expressing their displeasure with the treatment of locals by the concession.
“Most notably, the reoccurring issue of their beach chairs set up which leaves little space for locals to enjoy the beach in prime locations without paying for a chair.
“I contacted the Acting Chief Surveyor of public lands and buildings. She was extremely professional and quickly elevated my issue to the Permanent Secretary and Minister of Public Works, to which I have received no response from either for almost two months. This is a clear example of the fish rots from the head.
“Recently I read a public complaint regarding the Beach Volleyball Association. Why does the Minister continue to ignore complaints surrounding Horseshoe Bay Live? The Minister needs to provide the obligations required of the concessionaire and show that he will not allow locals to be displaced on our island’s most iconic beach.
“The OBA supports local businesses and giving people opportunities. However, we must also maintain clear standards of operation. Hospitality is meant to be supported by Bermudians and benefit them, not exclude them.
“Has Horseshoe Bay Live fulfilled its contractual obligations for being granted this concession from Government? Does any of the concerns put forward by the community violate its terms and conditions of operation?
“Is the Minister willing to confirm this with the public and intercede on its behalf? There were many bids for this concession opportunity. If Horseshoe Bay Live is not working with Bermudians or local associations who share the space with tourists, it may be time to consider the other concession bidders.”
Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch Statement
Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch said, “In response to recent criticisms regarding the Ministry of Public Works’ contract with Horseshoe Bay Live [HBL], I would like to address several points to clarify the situation and set the record straight.
“Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that the process through which HBL was awarded the contract to manage Horseshoe Bay Beach was the usual procedure; however, like all our leaseholders, they were impacted by the unprecedented disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, their provision of plans for the site was delayed, and we have been working with them to bring them to fruition.
“Critics suggesting that we should simply discard HBL and award the contract to the runner-up bidder misunderstand how contractual obligations work. Terminating the contract and starting a new tender process would be impractical and inefficient, especially given the ongoing and constructive negotiations and discussions with HBL.
“Concerning the allocation of beach space and facilities, it is essential to recognise that Horseshoe Bay Beach is a major tourism attraction and a cornerstone of Bermuda’s economic activity.
“As a leading tourism destination, it is natural that visitors will heavily frequent our most popular beach. This popularity sometimes inconveniences local residents, which is an unfortunate but inevitable aspect of our tourism-driven economy.
“Regarding the criticism from the One Bermuda Alliance, it is noteworthy that similar issues were not raised during the tenure of previous concessionaires. The suggestion that HBL’s management negatively impacts local residents while prioritising tourists does not consider the broader economic context or the measures we have in place to balance interests.
“Specifically, we have been proactive in responding to the Bermuda Volleyball Association’s concerns about beach space. After writing to me about their concerns, I personally met with the association three times. Before the start of this season, I hosted a meeting with representatives of the BVA along with HBL and agreed on a way forward for this summer’s activities.
“The Association moved some of their games to other beaches to ease the stress at Horseshoe Bay while both organisations met at Horseshoe Bay and agreed on the layout of the courts.
“We successfully reached an arrangement that accommodates their needs at the beach, and we have not received any further complaints from them since the start of this year’s volleyball season.
“Everything doesn’t have to be a stress point during this political season – always jockeying for an advantage. We are happy to answer questions without the need for name-calling. I have a reputation for speaking the truth and doing what I say – that will never change.
“In conclusion, while we continuously strive to address and mitigate any issues related to beach management, it is crucial to understand the complex balance we must maintain between local needs and our vital tourism industry.”
Update | Horseshoe Bay Live Statement
Update 10.42am: A spokesperson said, “On behalf of Horseshoe Bay Live, we are concerned that a member of His Majesties’ official opposition has taken the stance to post information in the public domain without fact-checking his sources. I wish to clarify that Mr. Robinson’s accusations are false and misleading. We do not restrict or dissuade guests to Horseshoe Bay from enjoying the beach. If our equipment is unoccupied, and guests to Horseshoe Bay Beach wish to sit at the location where our equipment is, we move our equipment. Regular users of the beach are aware of this procedure. Tourists usually arrive at Horseshoe Bay Beach at 8.30 am every day. From 10 am onwards, many daily guests arrive between 10 am and 3 pm. One must think about how many “locals,” as Mr. Robinson states, would be displaced on a Monday at 8.30 am at the beach. To be clear, on weekends, when we see the majority of local visitors to the beach, locals tend to come later in the afternoon. This is to avoid the heat when most tourists are returning, to hotels or cruise lines.
“To date, Mr. Robinson has never visited Horseshoe Bay Beach to speak with our management to voice his concerns or see how the beach is managed. Our company has an open communication line with the Bermuda Volleyball Association executive. Last year, the Bermuda Volleyball Association executive and Horseshoe Bay Lives management met with the government to share our concerns regarding how we can best use the beach to serve both of our organizations. Both of our organizations agreed on a path forward. Horseshoe Bay Live agreed to an agreement based on Bermuda Volleyball Association executive suggestions. Both organizations subsequently met at Horseshoe Bay Beach for a walk-through of the suggested plan put forth by the Bermuda Volleyball Association. Our executive and the Bermuda Volleyball Association discussed their plans for placing their nets for this upcoming season. We agreed to their plans. We also decided to improve communication between our two organizations. This is done by having our management and the Bermuda Volleyball executive have a joint WhatsApp group chat where we can share and voice any concerns about each other’s organizations.
“To date this season, we have had no reported issues with our pack-up times and procedures. The Bermuda Volleyball Association has not relayed any concerns to us this year. It is insulting, to say the least, that Mr. Robison would take this stance to call for the Minister of Public Works to take our lease away from our company without any factual basis. We believe this is a political move and has nothing to do with the quality of service we provide.
“It is possible that Mr. Robinson has personal or political motivations behind his actions. He may be seeking to gain favor with specific community groups or political figures by taking a strong stance against our company and the Bermuda Government. Alternatively, he might have misunderstood the actual situation at Horseshoe Bay Beach. Losing the lease would have significant repercussions for both Horseshoe Bay Live and the local community. It would disrupt the well-established collaboration with the Bermuda Volleyball Association, potentially impacting their events and activities. Additionally, it could lead to job losses and diminish the quality of services provided at the beach, ultimately affecting the visitor experience and local tourism.
“The article Mr. Robinson refers to, as a press release from the Bermuda Volleyball Association, is also false. The writer clearly states at the bottom of his article in the Royal Gazette, with the headline “No justice served for beach volleyball” dated “Sep 03, 2024″…’The volleyball beach season is something I look forward to throughout the year, and it would be a shame if profits continued to come before promoting a healthy Bermuda. Thanks, and end of rant. I have no affiliation with the volleyball association.” Writer Robbie Bailey.
“Mr. Robinson and the OBA have always shown Black Bermudians that they do not stand for us. Incredibly, a would-be candidate for the Southampton constituency is advocating for over 85% of our staff from this same constituency to lose their means of employment. Horseshoe Bay Live is the only 100% Black Bermudian-owned and staffed hospitality company on the island [we have all Black Bermudian staff] to lose their contract and leave Black Bermudians unemployed. With over 85% of our staff living in the same constituency Mr. Robinson would like to serve, we want Mr. Robinson to inform the constituents of Southampton that he is advocating for their family members and neighbors to become unemployed. The OBA’s history is marred with decisions that have disproportionately affected Black Bermudians, perpetuating economic and social disparities. From policies that have marginalized Black-owned businesses to actions that have undermined community development initiatives, their track record speaks volumes. This latest move by Mr. Robinson is yet another example of their disregard for the well-being of Black Bermudians, further exemplifying a pattern of neglect and exclusion.”
Reading the last paragraph of HBL’s response is easy and difficult. Easy to see why they got the contract. Difficult to get through without cracking up.
Anyone who thinks the party who was in power when the Southampton Princess shut down and who kept the travel authorisation tax in place for THREE full years somehow cares more about hospitality / hospitality workers than the party who was responsible for the America’s Cup and the St. Regis opening is either: a. singing for their supper or b. completely delusional.
HBL has been a complete failure. That’s what happens when you give one of most important tourism concessions to people with no experience, no capital, and no idea how to run a business. Horseshoe Beach is a significant tourism asset, and it should be run properly, by professionals, in a way that enhances our reputation. Instead, it’s a dump.