BTA to Host Joint Public Consultative Meeting Thursday on Future of Shelly Bay

The Bermuda Tourism Authority will host a joint public consultative meeting this coming Thursday evening, at Shelly Bay Park “to experience a planned temporary concession area”.

 

The public meeting, being held in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Economic Development & Tourism, is “a continuation of a consultative process”, on the future of the public beach in Hamilton Parish.

 

A BTA spokesman said: “Four finalists who have submitted formal proposals to operate at Shelly Bay will be on-hand to allow the public to sample their offering and answer questions. “

 

Those finalists are: 

Public feedback on the concession will help with the final decision making process on which vendors may be best suited at Shelly Bay. 

 

The BTA spokesman added: “The proposal is for entrepreneurs to operate out of modified shipping containers customized for this purpose until Government technical officers settle on a long-term plan for the park.

 

“Meantime, Sid’s Seafood will simultaneously put on a fish fry Thursday evening to exhibit its concept of a family-friendly event that is attractive to visitors and locals. 

 

“Gary Caisey of Sid’s Seafood is among a list of entrepreneurs who want to work with an event planner at Shelly Bay to build a calendar of experiences that attracts visitors and locals to the beach at times when visitation is otherwise low.

 

“Two local event planners responded to an RFP for Programming Manager and are being considered as finalists for organising family-friendly programs at the beach.”

 

Sample sizes of the food and beverage offerings will also be available, when the event takes place at no cost.  

 

The event takes place, on Thursday, August 9 from from 6pm to 8pm.  

 

All attendees will be asked to provide their feedback about what they experienced – either utilising a feedback area on-site or via email up to 24 hours later.  

 

Minister of Tourism and Economic Development, Jamahl Simmons said: “The feedback from the community meeting in June and the ongoing consultation since have helped shape the proposal for Shelly Bay in meaningful ways that better align with the wishes of the community.

 

“In just one example, the public insisted no alcohol be sold at Shelly Bay. That stance was embraced and the plan adjusted to fit the values and desires of the wider community.  We look forward to hearing more ideas and suggestions as the consultative process continues.”

 

BTA Director of Strategy and Corporate Communications Glenn Jones added: “We’re really pleased all the vendor finalists agreed to participate in this exhibition.

 

“Giving residents this opportunity to actually see and experience what’s proposed is essential to developing an informed opinion.  

 

“All partners in this project are committed to local buy-in and are working toward an end product that has the community’s support.”

 

To assist vendors with preparing proper quantities, anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP online by noon on Wednesday.

 

To find out more about what’s proposed at Shelly Bay or to learn about the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s Beach Economy research, visit GoToBermuda.com.  Comments can also be emailed to