Ministry: Public Access To Achilles Bay Restored
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment announced that “access to Achilles Bay in St. George’s officially reopened on Friday, 23 May, just in time for the Bermuda Day holiday weekend.”
A Government spokesperson said, “The newly constructed staircase providing public entry to the beach is now complete and safe for use. Although some site work is ongoing, including installing a wall near the turnaround area by the adjacent restaurant, beachgoers can enjoy the area without obstruction.
MP Renee Ming [St George’s North], Minister Jache Adams, and MP Kim Swan [St George’s West]
“This restoration project was undertaken after years of erosion, storm damage, and general deterioration had left the beach’s access route unsafe and difficult for the public to navigate.
“Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP, visited the site this week to inspect the progress and express the Ministry’s appreciation for the public’s patience.”
“We said we would get it done, and I’m proud to say that we have delivered,” said Minister Adams. “Achilles Bay is one of those special places that means a lot to the people of St George’s and beyond.
MP Renee Ming, Minister Jache Adams, MP Kim Swan, Jay Smith [contractor with Smith Group of Companies], and Jean-Marc Colmet, Structural Engineer, Ministry of Public Works and Environment
“I know how long residents have been asking for this to be fixed. Now, just in time for the holiday weekend, they’ll have safe access again.
“I also want to thank St Regis Bermuda for allowing us to take back part of their lease agreement to construct the access stairs, which technically falls on their part of the property. These improvements could not have been done without their cooperation.
“I also extend my gratitude to St George’s MPs Renee Ming, Kim Swan and Lovitta Foggo for their advocacy on behalf of their constituents and facilitating dialogue.”
The spokesperson said, “Minister Adams said the Ministry faced multiple setbacks during the process, including unexpected design challenges, but remained focused on the goal.”
“Projects like this are never as straightforward as they look, especially when dealing with years of erosion, storm damage and complicated terrain. But we stuck with it,” he said.
“The engineers, the contractors, and the team at the Ministry all played their part. We kept the pressure on, and the result is something we can all be proud of.”
The spokesperson said, “He added that while there is more to come regarding site upgrades, the key outcome people were most concerned about — safe access to the beach — is now complete.”
