DCA Begins Enforcement Operation at Morris Bay After Years of Non-Compliance Notices
The Development Control Authority (DCA) has confirmed that it carried out enforcement activities at Morris Bay Beach today as part of a long-running effort to address breaches of the Physical Planning Act and to protect the safety and environmental quality of Antigua and Barbuda’s coastline.
According to the Authority, several vendors and operators who have been occupying parts of the beachfront without authorization were advised as far back as 2019 that they were in violation of national planning laws.
The DCA said affected individuals received repeated verbal and written notices instructing them to vacate the beach or regularize their operations in accordance with established planning requirements.
Despite the numerous warnings, the Authority states that no corrective measures were taken. As a result, enforcement notices were issued and officers have now begun removing illegal structures, including tents, trailers, and other fixtures along the shoreline.
The DCA stressed that today’s actions were part of a “long-standing compliance process” and not a sudden or targeted operation.
In its statement, the Authority emphasized that the enforcement exercise:
• Is not directed at any specific individual or group;
• Follows consistent notices issued over several years;
• Is being carried out strictly in accordance with the Physical Planning Act and national development guidelines.
The removal effort, the DCA added, is intended to restore the natural beach environment, improve public safety, and ensure that Morris Bay is used in a manner consistent with national planning policies and the wider public interest.
The Authority says it will continue monitoring coastal areas to ensure compliance with the law and maintain orderly development across the island.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/12/10/dca-begins-enforcement-operation-at-morris-bay-after-years-of-non-compliance-notices. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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Comments (13)
No Heart December 10, 2025, 7:35 PM
If enforcement truly began in 2019, why did the DCA wait until now to act? The timing alone undermines their credibility and raises serious questions about impartiality.
Chatika December 10, 2025, 8:18 PM
Tromos December 10, 2025, 10:09 PM
If this were truly about environmental integrity, the DCA would have acted YEARS ago and not the same week the Prime Minister threatened to remove Pringle’s tent.
This looks like political muscle disguised as planning enforcement, and the people of Antigua and Barbuda see it for exactly what it is.
Bernard December 11, 2025, 7:25 AM
Informed citizen December 10, 2025, 11:11 PM
It’s my party and my gov. but they be doing shit sonetines December 11, 2025, 12:34 AM
Anonymous December 11, 2025, 6:26 AM
Why These People Love To Suck Gaston Browne Dick So..
It’s A Spiteful Act. That Demolition Wasn’t Legal, It’s Out Of Spite.
That’s Why The Prime Minister Nar Tap Get Knuckle!!!
Norissa December 11, 2025, 6:53 AM
Henry December 11, 2025, 7:20 AM
Jax December 11, 2025, 8:16 AM
A government agency that respects its citizens does not bulldoze without dialogue.
A government agency committed to fairness would apply enforcement uniformly—not selectively, not theatrically, and certainly not in a way that appears to silence political dissent.
Len len December 11, 2025, 12:12 PM
Zarome December 12, 2025, 7:19 AM
Where is the uniformity?
Where is the fairness?
Where is the transparency?
The DCA cannot hide behind legal language while openly contributing to an atmosphere of intimidation and fear among beach operators and citizens.
unruly one December 12, 2025, 10:17 AM
The Authority can repeat “non-political” all it wants, but the optics tell a very different story. This looks like selective enforcement, weaponised at the most convenient political moment.