The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

ENVIRONMENT Minister Zane Lightbourne yesterday confirmed that developers of the Four Seasons Ocean Club Residences will comply with the government’s order to remove the controversial fence from Cabbage Beach, although he could not say when it would be physically taken down.

Mr Lightbourne said officials have been in ongoing discussions with the developers and that the beach access area is being restored to allow members of the public to enter without obstruction.

He said the fence is needed as part of the construction process, but officials will assess the site’s safety requirements while ensuring public access to the beach is maintained.

The fence has become a major point of contention as construction continues at the Four Seasons Ocean Club Residences, with concerns raised over public access to Cabbage Beach, the safety of beachgoers and the impact of the development on beach vendors.

The government previously ordered the developers to remove the fence after concerns grew over its placement along the beach. Mr Lightbourne said officials would take steps to remove it if the developers failed to comply.

However, the issue escalated on Monday when Coalition of Independents leader Lincoln Bain and other protesters began dismantling sections of the fence themselves.

Mr Bain was arrested after police intervened and was later released without charge, according to him.

The dispute also intensified following an incident on Sunday in which a 60-year-old American tourist was swept into rough seas while attempting to get around the barrier.

The woman had been walking along the shoreline when she entered the water to pass the fence and was pulled into rough seas. Lifeguards, Freetown MP Lincoln Deal and others helped rescue her.

Mr Deal, whose constituency includes Cabbage Beach, has repeatedly called for the fence to be removed, arguing that public access to the beach must be protected.

Beach vendors have also expressed concerns about the impact of construction on their livelihoods and their ability to operate along Cabbage Beach.

Mr Lightbourne said officials would continue assessing the construction site to ensure safety measures are maintained while allowing the public to access the beach.