This is the second edition of The Messenger for 2026, and I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation for the encouraging response from members to our first edition of the year. It is clear that members value being kept informed about matters affecting our community.

In the previous edition, I reported that members of the Ward Committee were requested to submit their observations on the festive season to the Ward Councillor so that she could provide feedback to the municipal administration. Thanks to the input received from members—particularly from businesses in the central business area—we were able to provide the Ward Councillor with comprehensive feedback that reflected both positive observations as well as areas of service delivery that require attention. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this process.

It was encouraging to note that, subsequent to the submission of our input, the roads department undertook work on the yellow road signs in our area. This included clearing vegetation around the signs as well as repainting them. While this may appear to be a small matter, it is nevertheless an indication that our feedback is being heard and acted upon.

At the February meeting of the PBRA Executive, the portfolio coordinators presented their plans for the year together with their budget requests. It is particularly encouraging to see how each portfolio is striving to give practical expression to our theme for the year: “A Community in Action.” The list of portfolios and their coordinators is available on the PBRA website. We would like to encourage members who have specific skills or experience relevant to any of these portfolios to consider volunteering their assistance in the portfolio of their choice.

The Executive has also resolved to convene a mid-year General Meeting, likely during June or July. The purpose of this meeting will be to provide members with progress reports from each portfolio and to create an opportunity for members to interact directly with the portfolio coordinators.

The Executive was also informed that Rolene Campher will be relocating to Gordon’s Bay. Rolene has been responsible for coordinating the “Keep Pringle Bay Clean” initiative, particularly the litter-free campaign, and for compiling and distributing the weekly incident statistics for the PBSW. We are indebted to Rolene for her dedication and commitment to our community and wish her well as she settles into her new environment.

In my annual report presented at the AGM in December 2025, I referred to a matter raised by members on several occasions—the need for a suitable shelter, particularly for workers waiting for taxis. In that report I recommended that the incoming Executive be mandated to initiate a process involving consultation with relevant stakeholders in order to develop a roadmap toward the realisation of this much-needed facility. The Executive has now resolved to proceed with this process. It is our hope that we will be able to report meaningful progress on this initiative at the 2026 AGM.

On Saturday, 7 March 2026, I attended the AGM of the Street Watch sector and would like to congratulate the members who were elected to serve on the Street Watch Executive Committee. It is very encouraging to note that since November 2025 there have been no incidents reported across the sectors. If you are not yet a member of your street sector, I would strongly encourage you to join and become part of this important “eyes and ears” initiative that contributes significantly to the safety of our community.

One of the visible projects recently undertaken by the PBRA is the proactive rehabilitation of the boardwalk at Entrance 7 to the main beach. This project is the result of collaboration between members of the Infrastructure Portfolio and the Conservation Portfolio. The work included replacing fourteen boards of 1.5 metres and eight boards of 3 metres in length, fastening loose boards where necessary, and purchasing additional boards and screws to keep in reserve for any urgent repairs that may be required in future.

In conclusion, I would once again like to remind members that the PBRA Executive meets on the last Monday of each month. Please feel free to bring any matter of concern to my attention, or to that of the Secretary, so that it can be placed on the agenda for consideration by the Executive.

Thank you for your continued involvement and support as we work together to build a community in action.