Government Affirms Fair Process Regarding South Friar’s Bay Bars and Announces New Public Beach Access Imminent

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, March 14, 2026 (SKNIS): The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, today, confirmed that formal notice has been issued requiring the operators of bars located at South Friar’s Bay—including The Godfather Bar, The Discovery Bar, and The Shipwreck Bar & Grill—to relocate their establishments no later than midnight on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

This action follows more than four months of engagement and accommodation by the Government after the bar operators were formally notified on November 10, 2025 that the area they occupy forms part of lands required for a major tourism development project and that their operations could not lawfully continue on Crown land or private property without permission.

Since that time, the Government has worked in good faith to facilitate relocation by identifying alternative sites where the operators could continue their businesses legally. These included options along the Frigate Bay Strip and at Cockleshell Bay, and the Government made arrangements for meetings and site visits to assist the operators in transitioning their businesses.

Despite these efforts, the bar operators have not taken steps to inspect the proposed sites or finalize relocation arrangements.

Importantly, the Government allowed the operators to continue operating through substantially the entire peak 2025/2026 tourism season in order to minimize disruption to their livelihoods and to provide ample time to make preparations for relocation.

The relocation deadline now arises because the property owners are preparing to commence earthworks associated with the development of the area. As part of the first phase of works, the developers will construct a permanent public access road to South Friar’s Bay Beach, which will improve access for residents and visitors. Construction of this road will begin in the coming days, and the existing dirt path currently used for access will be closed on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Accordingly, the Government has advised the operators that if the establishments remain in place after the April 7 deadline, they will have to be removed so that lawful construction works may proceed.

Throughout this matter, the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has acted with fairness, patience, and respect for local enterprise, even though these operations were being conducted without legal authorization on Crown land and private property.

Assistance with relocation continues to be available. Operators who wish to relocate to the alternative sites are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Tourism immediately to arrange a visit to the available locations.

In the broader public interest, the Government remains committed to ensuring that local businesses and major investments coexist in a way that benefits the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis, while preserving public access to beaches and supporting the orderly development of the Federation’s tourism sector.

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