GOVERNMENT BUYS  LONG BAY, BEEF ISLAND. The BVI government purchased 53.4 acres of land at Long Bay, Beef Island for some $5.6million from the BVI Development Corporation of the Virgin Islands Limited earlier this week. The first installment of $1million for the purchase was made at a signing ceremony on Monday. Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Honourable J. Alvin Christopher (at left) signed on behalf of Government, while Director of Smiths Gore Overseas Limited Mr. Derek Dunlop (pictured r.) represented the BVI Development Corporation. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Christopher stated that the purchase was another of Government’s initiatives to make sure that the people of the BVI have access to prime property. “We will be carrying out minimal development at the site to facilitate the preservation of the mangroves surrounding the beach and the pond areas,” said the Minister. “It is going to remain in its natural beauty for the people of the Territory and I’m happy to be here to be a part of this ceremony today.”                    Photo GIS/Rick Evans